Questions to Ask about Christmas
Matthew 16:13-17; Hebrews 10:5-10
Christmas is a wonderful time. As one song will put it, "it's the most wonderful time of the year." I will gladly agree. For some reason, everything feels a bit jollier. I love Christmas music, and I love gathering with families. I love the break that I get from school, and I love the gifts that I give and receive. But we all know that Christmas is much more than these things. Central to the Christmas season is the Christmas story. It is a marvelous story, and for us to forget the main idea of the story would mean we have failed Christmas. As some of my students would say, it would be an "Epic Fail." And it's not just an epic failure, it is an eternal failure since the main idea has consequences for your eternal destiny.
The Christmas story is not a mystery. The events and the details are there for us to see clearly in Scripture. But so often as we look into the story of Christmas, we get caught up in the periphery while neglecting the center. How little we contemplate on the true Christmas Day is reflected in our shallow reverence to the Christmas story. We make the Christmas story about Mary and Joseph, about how they endured trials. We make it about the lowly shepherds who were visited by angels. We make it about the wise men from the Orient who came to see little baby Jesus. We make it about Herod and how wicked of a man he was.
All those side-stories are great stories indeed, but they are not the main pillar of the Christmas story. Then what is? John Macarthur puts it well: "So the glory of the Lord was the angelic focus at the birth of Christ. The glory of the Lord was the aura that invaded the scene. It isn't imposed upon the Christmas story, it is the Christmas story." It would do us well to remember this day is called Christmas. This story is about Christ and His glory. This story is about the baby who sleeps on a manger on Christmas eve.
If we want to to understand Christmas therefore, we need to ask ourselves this important question: Who is this baby? And the best answer I've found comes from the lips of man thirty years after Jesus' birth. His name is Peter, and to Jesus' piercing question, "Who do you say that I am?" he replies, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." No man ever answered the question better, and Jesus gives Peter His approval.
The Messiah - I've already preached a sermon covering the details of what this term means so I won't go into much detail. It suffices to say that the Messiah has a threefold role: Prophet, Priest, and King. To say that Jesus was the Messiah is the He is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises who will deliver Israel and all men from their sins. His kingdom will know no end.
Son of the Living God - The statement "Son of God" does not mean that Jesus came into being at a certain point in time, that he was second to God. Actually, this term means that Jesus' nature was that of God! Take for instance the phrase "Son of Man." The phrase is not trying to say we came into being after a certain "Man," but that our nature is that of a man. The phrase "Son of God" when used of Jesus means to say that Jesus' nature was that of God. Everything God is, Jesus is.
If this is the case, if this is who this baby really is, then we need to ask ourselves another question. Why in the world is He here? Why in the world is this Messiah-God in a dirty manger in a baby's body?
He is in perfect existence as a Spirit with no restriction to form and omnipresent; yet here He is in a finite, human body and this for all eternity. He is God almighty, ominpotent and able to do whatever He so desires; yet here He is, a defenseless baby. He is God omniscient who needs no counselor or teacher, who declares the end from the beginning; yet here he is, a baby who cannot even mutter a single word. He is Creator and Provider who owns the cattle on a thousand hills and says, "If I were hungry I would not ask you"; yet here He is, a dependent baby who needs His mother to feed Him. He is a king whose throne is heaven and who can say earth is His footstool. Nothing can house his grandness! Yet here He is in a stable because no one would house Him.
Why would someone so exalted, in such an elevated position humble Himself to such a degree? Why would he want to become human? Well we know it definitely wasn't because becoming human was in anyway adding to His glory. It wasn't so that He could train disciples and teach good moral principles. Why did He become a man? As I search the Scriptures, I find one clear answer. So He can die.
There is much that Jesus did for us during His earthly life that He could have done if He were not a man. But there's one thing He could not have done: He could not have died. He becomes like us to die for us. A spirit does not have hands and feet to be pierced. A spirit does not have a head on which to lay a crown of thorns. A spirit does not have a side to be pierced or a back to be scourged. A spirit does not have a body to give up as a bloody sacrifice. But that is exactly what God required of His Son for the salvation of His people. So Jesus obeyed (cf. Hebrews 10:5-10, Philippians 2:5-11).
Do you see your sin so great and sinful that God would demand such a price? It is an absurd demand. Yet Jesus, for the glory of His Father and the salvation of His people, met such a demand. And God did not spare Him. He let Him taste every bit of His wrath. And so, Jesus became our propitiation. Arthur Pink writes, "How hateful must sin be to God for Him to punish sin to its utmost deserts when it was imputed to His Son." The more you reflect on this, the more you realize your sinful nature and the more you come to love and cherish the Cross of the Gospel. And then it puts Christmas into perspective.
Now you know why I love Christmas. It is a reminder that my God came to die for me, undeserving as I am. It is reminder that He paid the full price by tasting God's wrath on my behalf. We do not celebrate Jesus' humanity on Christmas day because it's a feel good story about how we should all be humble. We celebrate it because it looks towards the cross, it looks towards His death. And in so doing brings us back to the Gospel which is the power of God for salvation.
Showing posts with label Sermons: SE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sermons: SE. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
11-22-09 Sermon Review
It's been awhile since we've had sermon reviews. But I will be starting them up again starting this week.
What Does It Mean to Give Thanks?
Various texts
Thanksgiving is an essential, natural part of Christian life. Throughout the New Testament believers are told to pray with thanksgiving, receive with thanksgiving, make requests with thanksgiving, sing with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving permeates all our doing to the point that Paul can say, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). However, Christians do not seem to understand the biblical idea of thanksgiving. I want to address four characteristics of thanksgiving so that we may give thanks with a biblical understanding of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a response. We are not told to give thanks without precedent. On the contrary, we are told to give thanks because giving thanks is exactly the proper response for what God has done for us in our lives. Thanksgiving is the fitting response for the recipient of grace, and that is what we are. If we do not "feel like giving thanks" it is because we do not understand grace. It is because we are blind to everything God has done, is doing, and will be doing for us. We do not understand how much we have in light of our unworthiness. It only takes one look at the cross of Jesus Christ to remind us the immeasurable grace we have received. It is in response to this gift that we give thanks. There is always a precedent for thanksgiving.
It is possible therefore to make thanksgiving a simple gesture rather than a response. For instance, a teacher might say thank you to a student who turns in their homework. The teacher might feel happy that the student turned in his homework for he could have easily done otherwise, but the thanksgiving is a gesture, not true thanksgiving, since the student was obliged to turn in his homework. We see this in Luke 17 in Jesus' parable about the master and the slave. Jesus explains that the master does not thank the slave when the slave finishes what he is commanded. This is because the slave has the obligation to fulfill his duties. The master does not thank the slave. And so, we make thanksgiving a gesture of politeness and not true thanksgiving when we look at all that we have and think we deserve it. Thanksgiving is a response to grace, and grace by definition is something undeserved and unmerited. Too often we take God's gifts as our rights and by doing so obligate God to do good to us. No. He is our God, our gracious God who is free to do as He pleases. He has chosen to be gracious with us; so let us give thanks.
Thanksgiving is relational. The Bible shows that thanksgiving is an idea that occurs between two persons. Since thanksgiving is a response to grace, it presupposes that there is a giver. The idea of thanksgiving is a response towards the giver, not primarily a feeling we have inwardly. The question we must ask this thanksgiving is not primarily "What are we thankful for?" but rather "To whom should we give our thanks?". Many men feel thankful; few give thanks. Only when the Giver is recognized can we understand the value of what we have in our hands. Paul writes over and over again in his epistles that he gives thanks to God. Have we thanked God for all that He has given us? We commit idolatry every time we rob God of the thanks He deserves by not properly acknowledging Him as the Giver of all good things and directing our thanks elsewhere.
Thanksgiving is an action. Interestingly, the Hebrew word group for "thank" is derived from the Hebrew word for "hand". It is also translated as "confession" or even "choir". The Jews considered thanksgiving as primarily an action and not a feeling. Instead of stressing being thankful, we need to stress giving thanks. This is not to say that being or feeling thankful is not important. It is. However, simply being or feeling thankful is not the biblical directive of giving thanks. Thanksgiving is an action that you take. We say "Thank You" instead of saying "I am thankful." It comes out as confessions before God. It comes out as praises to His name. It comes out as trust in His character and obedience to His will. This is the biblical idea of thanksgiving.
Lastly, thanksgiving is rooted in joy. Thanksgiving does not exist where joy does not exist. It is impossible to give thanks without being joyful. It is no wonder that the word "thanksgiving" is found mostly in the psalms and in the context of joyful praise towards God. Joy is defined as exceeding delight caused by something good. It is the inward pleasure we feel for receiving grace. Thanksgiving is an extension of that joy going back to the Giver. Joy shows that you recognize what God gave you is good. Thanksgiving brings back the glory to God. Joy shows that you are delighted. Thanksgiving shows that you are more delighted in the Giver than the gift.
But have we not heard that we should give thanks in everything? Doesn't that mean we need to give thanks to God even when we don't feel the joy? God wants us to give Him the proper thanksgiving He deserves. When we feel that God has not been good to us and when there is no joy to beam out into thanksgiving towards God, we are in sin. We do not see the world as God sees it. We are blind to grace. We do not confess that what God's Word says about our situation is true. If we do not feel the joy, it is because we are sinful and blind. Do not play the hypocrite by giving God empty thanksgiving. Be honest with God and tell Him that you are in sin by not recognizing and embracing what He has given you and where He has placed you as a wonderful gift for your good. Do not mask your bitterness towards God with empty Thank You's. He sees right through you. Deal with your wrong thinking, your wrong perceiving, and then come to give thanks. As you repent of this sin, God will give you the joy you desire which will spring forth into the thanksgiving you long to give.
This Thanksgiving, I pray that we may all give thanks to God as He deserves. May He be so gracious as to let us continue in such thanksgiving all our days. God bless!
What Does It Mean to Give Thanks?
Various texts
Thanksgiving is an essential, natural part of Christian life. Throughout the New Testament believers are told to pray with thanksgiving, receive with thanksgiving, make requests with thanksgiving, sing with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving permeates all our doing to the point that Paul can say, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). However, Christians do not seem to understand the biblical idea of thanksgiving. I want to address four characteristics of thanksgiving so that we may give thanks with a biblical understanding of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a response. We are not told to give thanks without precedent. On the contrary, we are told to give thanks because giving thanks is exactly the proper response for what God has done for us in our lives. Thanksgiving is the fitting response for the recipient of grace, and that is what we are. If we do not "feel like giving thanks" it is because we do not understand grace. It is because we are blind to everything God has done, is doing, and will be doing for us. We do not understand how much we have in light of our unworthiness. It only takes one look at the cross of Jesus Christ to remind us the immeasurable grace we have received. It is in response to this gift that we give thanks. There is always a precedent for thanksgiving.
It is possible therefore to make thanksgiving a simple gesture rather than a response. For instance, a teacher might say thank you to a student who turns in their homework. The teacher might feel happy that the student turned in his homework for he could have easily done otherwise, but the thanksgiving is a gesture, not true thanksgiving, since the student was obliged to turn in his homework. We see this in Luke 17 in Jesus' parable about the master and the slave. Jesus explains that the master does not thank the slave when the slave finishes what he is commanded. This is because the slave has the obligation to fulfill his duties. The master does not thank the slave. And so, we make thanksgiving a gesture of politeness and not true thanksgiving when we look at all that we have and think we deserve it. Thanksgiving is a response to grace, and grace by definition is something undeserved and unmerited. Too often we take God's gifts as our rights and by doing so obligate God to do good to us. No. He is our God, our gracious God who is free to do as He pleases. He has chosen to be gracious with us; so let us give thanks.
Thanksgiving is relational. The Bible shows that thanksgiving is an idea that occurs between two persons. Since thanksgiving is a response to grace, it presupposes that there is a giver. The idea of thanksgiving is a response towards the giver, not primarily a feeling we have inwardly. The question we must ask this thanksgiving is not primarily "What are we thankful for?" but rather "To whom should we give our thanks?". Many men feel thankful; few give thanks. Only when the Giver is recognized can we understand the value of what we have in our hands. Paul writes over and over again in his epistles that he gives thanks to God. Have we thanked God for all that He has given us? We commit idolatry every time we rob God of the thanks He deserves by not properly acknowledging Him as the Giver of all good things and directing our thanks elsewhere.
Thanksgiving is an action. Interestingly, the Hebrew word group for "thank" is derived from the Hebrew word for "hand". It is also translated as "confession" or even "choir". The Jews considered thanksgiving as primarily an action and not a feeling. Instead of stressing being thankful, we need to stress giving thanks. This is not to say that being or feeling thankful is not important. It is. However, simply being or feeling thankful is not the biblical directive of giving thanks. Thanksgiving is an action that you take. We say "Thank You" instead of saying "I am thankful." It comes out as confessions before God. It comes out as praises to His name. It comes out as trust in His character and obedience to His will. This is the biblical idea of thanksgiving.
Lastly, thanksgiving is rooted in joy. Thanksgiving does not exist where joy does not exist. It is impossible to give thanks without being joyful. It is no wonder that the word "thanksgiving" is found mostly in the psalms and in the context of joyful praise towards God. Joy is defined as exceeding delight caused by something good. It is the inward pleasure we feel for receiving grace. Thanksgiving is an extension of that joy going back to the Giver. Joy shows that you recognize what God gave you is good. Thanksgiving brings back the glory to God. Joy shows that you are delighted. Thanksgiving shows that you are more delighted in the Giver than the gift.
But have we not heard that we should give thanks in everything? Doesn't that mean we need to give thanks to God even when we don't feel the joy? God wants us to give Him the proper thanksgiving He deserves. When we feel that God has not been good to us and when there is no joy to beam out into thanksgiving towards God, we are in sin. We do not see the world as God sees it. We are blind to grace. We do not confess that what God's Word says about our situation is true. If we do not feel the joy, it is because we are sinful and blind. Do not play the hypocrite by giving God empty thanksgiving. Be honest with God and tell Him that you are in sin by not recognizing and embracing what He has given you and where He has placed you as a wonderful gift for your good. Do not mask your bitterness towards God with empty Thank You's. He sees right through you. Deal with your wrong thinking, your wrong perceiving, and then come to give thanks. As you repent of this sin, God will give you the joy you desire which will spring forth into the thanksgiving you long to give.
This Thanksgiving, I pray that we may all give thanks to God as He deserves. May He be so gracious as to let us continue in such thanksgiving all our days. God bless!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
01-25-09 Sermon Review
God Have Mercy
In many parts of the United States this January 22nd many celebrated the 36th anniversary of the controversial ruling that enabled legal abortions in the US. But I grieved. I grieved as I considered the millions of babies that were "aborted" since Roe v. Wade. I grieved as I considered the sanctity of human life and how Roe v. Wade in a single sweep allowed for the destruction of human life. Abortion is no small matter.
I grieved also at the fact that our newly inaugurated president has made no insignificant statement regarding his position and his plans concerning abortion. On the day of the anniversary He stated, "I remain committed to a woman's right to choose." He also shows unwavering commitment to the Freedom of Choice Act. Such statements send a terrifying chill down my spine.
So what are the issues in abortion? RC Sproul states that this is a very complex issue that involves the basic rights of privacy, individual liberty, woman's rights, and the unborn's rights. But these are all secondary to this most critical question: when does life of a human person begin? This should be the first question that must be answered; yet, you would be surprised at how confusing the literature is on this issue. You would expect there to be a certain amount of certainty to an issue that deals with the termination of possible human life, but there isn't. And those who support Roe v. Wade and the freedom of choice would like to keep it confusing. How should we who believe in the Scriptures as the ultimate authority and believe in the sanctity of human life as taught in the Scriptures respond to this issue?
First, let me tell you that the Scriptures itself is not absolutely clear on the issue. What I mean is that the Scriptures do not explicitly state that personal human life begins at the moment of conception. If it did, there would be our prooftext. But here are a few notes to consider for those who would like to dismiss the idea that Scripture supports life at the moment of conception. 1) An unborn child is treated as a personal living human in the Israelites' court of law (Exodus 21:22-25). 2) The same Greek and Hebrew word to describe a post-natal child is used of the pre-natal child. 3) John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit while in the womb (Luke 1:39-45). 4) God knew of the existence of the person before conception and also forms the baby in the womb (Psalm 139). 5) Jesus' person and life existed before the moment of conception.
These points are not easy to dismiss when also taken alongside what the law of nature tells us. Here are some studies done on the pre-natal child that you ought to know. The whole genetic code that is necessary to create a human person is extant at the moment of conception. You can observe the heart beating at eighteen to twenty-five days. By the eight week, you can see fingerprints and notice brain waves. All major body functions are observed by the eleventh week. At twelve and thirteen weeks, the child sucks its thumb and recoils from pain. Physically, it is hard to dismiss the idea that this "fetus" is nothing but tissue as some still vehemently argue.
Some who defend abortion would even go as far as to say that the mother should have a choice to abort the baby even after the baby is born. Peter Singer, a notable philosopher and ethics authority, said, "There [is a] lack of any clear boundary between the newborn infant, who is clearly not a person in the ethically relevant sense, and the young child who is. In out book, Should the Baby Live?, my colleague Helga Kuhse and I suggested that a period of twenty-eight days after birth might be allowed before an infant is accepted as having the same right to life as others."
How is a baby "aborted." You need to know this. You need to see it. You won't understand why I feel the way I do about this until you can imagine the death of a child before you. Go to abort73.com and watch the videos. Here are the most common ways abortion is done. 1) Dilation and Suction - The baby is suckd out the womb. 2) Dilation and Curetage - The baby is too big and therefore, must be cut into pieces and then sucked out. Often the head is to big and therefore, must be crushed before removal. The abortionist places the pieces on a table to make sure every part of the "fetus" is removed. 3) Saline Injection - A saline solution is injected into the amniotic sac which literally burns the infant alive. The body is then forced out of the womb dead. 4) Caesarian - The doctorcs surgically open the womb and remove the baby. I am not sure when or how the baby dies. I do not want to know. 5) Partial Birth - The mother goes into induced labor. When the head comes out, the skull is cracked and the baby immediately dies. The mother then pushes out the rest of the dead body. 6) Birth Control Pills - Certain birth control pills force the mother's body to react to conception immediately allowing for the removal of the fetus.
What is the current state of affairs? There are about 1.5 million aboritons each year. 1% occur because of rape, 6% occur because of potential harm to both mother and child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons. 52% of all abortions are performed before the 9th week while 1% (which is around 16,450 per year) occur after the 20th week. Protestants make up 37.4% of all abortions; Catholics 31.3%. 18% are done by "Evangelicals."
1.5 million babies. It is hard for me to sympathize with those who detest war while they are absolutely content with what is going on just down the street where pieces of human baby body parts can be found in the dumpster. After all this, after studying all this, all I could say is "God have mercy!" There is nothing more I can say. I pray that abortion to you and to this nation will become as appalling and unimaginable as slavery has become. Until then, pray with me? Stand against it. Do it for the Lord. I'm very thankful that the Lord has already shown mercy to us. Mercy was shown on the cross when Jesus died for our sins. It is this that should drive us to humility when speaking on this subject with those who disagree. And it is also this that should spur us to fight against it. God have mercy. Thank you for Jesus. Stay strong in the Lord and God bless!
In many parts of the United States this January 22nd many celebrated the 36th anniversary of the controversial ruling that enabled legal abortions in the US. But I grieved. I grieved as I considered the millions of babies that were "aborted" since Roe v. Wade. I grieved as I considered the sanctity of human life and how Roe v. Wade in a single sweep allowed for the destruction of human life. Abortion is no small matter.
I grieved also at the fact that our newly inaugurated president has made no insignificant statement regarding his position and his plans concerning abortion. On the day of the anniversary He stated, "I remain committed to a woman's right to choose." He also shows unwavering commitment to the Freedom of Choice Act. Such statements send a terrifying chill down my spine.
So what are the issues in abortion? RC Sproul states that this is a very complex issue that involves the basic rights of privacy, individual liberty, woman's rights, and the unborn's rights. But these are all secondary to this most critical question: when does life of a human person begin? This should be the first question that must be answered; yet, you would be surprised at how confusing the literature is on this issue. You would expect there to be a certain amount of certainty to an issue that deals with the termination of possible human life, but there isn't. And those who support Roe v. Wade and the freedom of choice would like to keep it confusing. How should we who believe in the Scriptures as the ultimate authority and believe in the sanctity of human life as taught in the Scriptures respond to this issue?
First, let me tell you that the Scriptures itself is not absolutely clear on the issue. What I mean is that the Scriptures do not explicitly state that personal human life begins at the moment of conception. If it did, there would be our prooftext. But here are a few notes to consider for those who would like to dismiss the idea that Scripture supports life at the moment of conception. 1) An unborn child is treated as a personal living human in the Israelites' court of law (Exodus 21:22-25). 2) The same Greek and Hebrew word to describe a post-natal child is used of the pre-natal child. 3) John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit while in the womb (Luke 1:39-45). 4) God knew of the existence of the person before conception and also forms the baby in the womb (Psalm 139). 5) Jesus' person and life existed before the moment of conception.
These points are not easy to dismiss when also taken alongside what the law of nature tells us. Here are some studies done on the pre-natal child that you ought to know. The whole genetic code that is necessary to create a human person is extant at the moment of conception. You can observe the heart beating at eighteen to twenty-five days. By the eight week, you can see fingerprints and notice brain waves. All major body functions are observed by the eleventh week. At twelve and thirteen weeks, the child sucks its thumb and recoils from pain. Physically, it is hard to dismiss the idea that this "fetus" is nothing but tissue as some still vehemently argue.
Some who defend abortion would even go as far as to say that the mother should have a choice to abort the baby even after the baby is born. Peter Singer, a notable philosopher and ethics authority, said, "There [is a] lack of any clear boundary between the newborn infant, who is clearly not a person in the ethically relevant sense, and the young child who is. In out book, Should the Baby Live?, my colleague Helga Kuhse and I suggested that a period of twenty-eight days after birth might be allowed before an infant is accepted as having the same right to life as others."
How is a baby "aborted." You need to know this. You need to see it. You won't understand why I feel the way I do about this until you can imagine the death of a child before you. Go to abort73.com and watch the videos. Here are the most common ways abortion is done. 1) Dilation and Suction - The baby is suckd out the womb. 2) Dilation and Curetage - The baby is too big and therefore, must be cut into pieces and then sucked out. Often the head is to big and therefore, must be crushed before removal. The abortionist places the pieces on a table to make sure every part of the "fetus" is removed. 3) Saline Injection - A saline solution is injected into the amniotic sac which literally burns the infant alive. The body is then forced out of the womb dead. 4) Caesarian - The doctorcs surgically open the womb and remove the baby. I am not sure when or how the baby dies. I do not want to know. 5) Partial Birth - The mother goes into induced labor. When the head comes out, the skull is cracked and the baby immediately dies. The mother then pushes out the rest of the dead body. 6) Birth Control Pills - Certain birth control pills force the mother's body to react to conception immediately allowing for the removal of the fetus.
What is the current state of affairs? There are about 1.5 million aboritons each year. 1% occur because of rape, 6% occur because of potential harm to both mother and child, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons. 52% of all abortions are performed before the 9th week while 1% (which is around 16,450 per year) occur after the 20th week. Protestants make up 37.4% of all abortions; Catholics 31.3%. 18% are done by "Evangelicals."
1.5 million babies. It is hard for me to sympathize with those who detest war while they are absolutely content with what is going on just down the street where pieces of human baby body parts can be found in the dumpster. After all this, after studying all this, all I could say is "God have mercy!" There is nothing more I can say. I pray that abortion to you and to this nation will become as appalling and unimaginable as slavery has become. Until then, pray with me? Stand against it. Do it for the Lord. I'm very thankful that the Lord has already shown mercy to us. Mercy was shown on the cross when Jesus died for our sins. It is this that should drive us to humility when speaking on this subject with those who disagree. And it is also this that should spur us to fight against it. God have mercy. Thank you for Jesus. Stay strong in the Lord and God bless!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
12-21-08 Sermon Review
Putting Christ back into Christ-mas
Christmas brings very mixed feelings for me. I love the holidays, and as one song puts it, “It's the most wonderful time of the year.” But it's also a season that makes me grieve. It is a holiday where Christ's name is thrown out and Christmas songs like Hark the Herald Angel Sings are sung, yet the world as a majority cares nothing about Christ. Christ is all but forgotten in the Christmas celebration.
Recently, I read a news article that told of the first public Christmas celebration in Baghdad. That caught me by surprise. In an area where it is predominantly Muslim, they were celebrating Christmas. It reminded me that Christmas has become so secularized that it holds little or no meaning at all. A day that we have set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the infinite God-man, a day that we have set aside to proclaim His worth and His mystery, a day that we have set aside to glorify God and reflect on “peace to men on earth,” has become another worldly holiday.
Christians, we have an obligation, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh, but an obligation to the Lord. The world might be celebrating Christmas for whatever reasons, but I beg of you, Christian, to celebrate Christmas because of Christ. How will Christmas exalt Christ? That should be the blaring question for all believers. Christmas for the Christian should stand as a reminder of glorious truths. It should stand as a reminder of the glory of Jesus Christ in His person and a reminder of salvation by grace.
A Reminder of the Glory of Christ – As we reflect on the night that Jesus was born, I want you to consider these four points. 1) Jesus' wonder. He is not only God, but now human. The day we celebrate is the day we celebrate God putting upon Himself humanity. That is too wonderful for me. There is none like Him. Infinitely God and infinitely man. 2) Jesus' perfect obedience. Jesus put upon Himself humanity in obedience to the Father. Christ says, “A Body you have prepared for me... Behold, I have come... to do your will” (Hebrews 10:5,7). And He did. He became man, and He obeyed unto death. 3) Jesus' closeness. Oh what a wonder that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us! The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus "had to be made like His brethren" (Hebrews 2:17). "He is not ashamed to call [us] brethren” (Hebrews 2:11). Jesus' birth as a human should remind us of how close and near He is to us. 4) Jesus' bodily return. Jesus did not put on humanity for a short time. It is for eternity. He will return not as a spirit but as a perfect human. This is proclaimed in Gabriel's prophecy to Mary. Jesus will sit on the throne of His father David and rule over Israel (Luke 1:32,33). This has not happened yet. The promise made is yet to come. Christmas should remind us of this future fulfillment.
A Reminder of Salvation by Grace – I love, I love what Simeon says when he sees the baby Lord Jesus in Jerusalem. “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). So, what Simeon saw in the face of Jesus Christ was God's salvation. Oh, how Christmas should remind us of it! As we reflect on Christ come down, oh how we need to remind ourselves of God's provision in salvation! Now, what did Jesus' birth mean for the Angels? Here is their proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2: 14). First, they resound glory to God. Second, they proclaim a message of peace. If Christmas doesn't remind you of the peace that was wrought through the death of a human Jesus, you've lost the meaning of Christmas. Read Romans 5 to remind you of what peace we have in Christ Jesus.
Please, brothers and sisters, make much of Christ this Christmas season. The world does enough lip service to a Christ they do not know or care about. Let not Christ find us celebrating in vain. Let us make much of Him and cherish what He wrought as a human. As we do, I pray our Christmas would be ever more joyous, ever more meaningful. Jesus Christ, how precious You are! Stay strong in the Lord and God bless!
Christmas brings very mixed feelings for me. I love the holidays, and as one song puts it, “It's the most wonderful time of the year.” But it's also a season that makes me grieve. It is a holiday where Christ's name is thrown out and Christmas songs like Hark the Herald Angel Sings are sung, yet the world as a majority cares nothing about Christ. Christ is all but forgotten in the Christmas celebration.
Recently, I read a news article that told of the first public Christmas celebration in Baghdad. That caught me by surprise. In an area where it is predominantly Muslim, they were celebrating Christmas. It reminded me that Christmas has become so secularized that it holds little or no meaning at all. A day that we have set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the infinite God-man, a day that we have set aside to proclaim His worth and His mystery, a day that we have set aside to glorify God and reflect on “peace to men on earth,” has become another worldly holiday.
Christians, we have an obligation, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh, but an obligation to the Lord. The world might be celebrating Christmas for whatever reasons, but I beg of you, Christian, to celebrate Christmas because of Christ. How will Christmas exalt Christ? That should be the blaring question for all believers. Christmas for the Christian should stand as a reminder of glorious truths. It should stand as a reminder of the glory of Jesus Christ in His person and a reminder of salvation by grace.
A Reminder of the Glory of Christ – As we reflect on the night that Jesus was born, I want you to consider these four points. 1) Jesus' wonder. He is not only God, but now human. The day we celebrate is the day we celebrate God putting upon Himself humanity. That is too wonderful for me. There is none like Him. Infinitely God and infinitely man. 2) Jesus' perfect obedience. Jesus put upon Himself humanity in obedience to the Father. Christ says, “A Body you have prepared for me... Behold, I have come... to do your will” (Hebrews 10:5,7). And He did. He became man, and He obeyed unto death. 3) Jesus' closeness. Oh what a wonder that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us! The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus "had to be made like His brethren" (Hebrews 2:17). "He is not ashamed to call [us] brethren” (Hebrews 2:11). Jesus' birth as a human should remind us of how close and near He is to us. 4) Jesus' bodily return. Jesus did not put on humanity for a short time. It is for eternity. He will return not as a spirit but as a perfect human. This is proclaimed in Gabriel's prophecy to Mary. Jesus will sit on the throne of His father David and rule over Israel (Luke 1:32,33). This has not happened yet. The promise made is yet to come. Christmas should remind us of this future fulfillment.
A Reminder of Salvation by Grace – I love, I love what Simeon says when he sees the baby Lord Jesus in Jerusalem. “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). So, what Simeon saw in the face of Jesus Christ was God's salvation. Oh, how Christmas should remind us of it! As we reflect on Christ come down, oh how we need to remind ourselves of God's provision in salvation! Now, what did Jesus' birth mean for the Angels? Here is their proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2: 14). First, they resound glory to God. Second, they proclaim a message of peace. If Christmas doesn't remind you of the peace that was wrought through the death of a human Jesus, you've lost the meaning of Christmas. Read Romans 5 to remind you of what peace we have in Christ Jesus.
Please, brothers and sisters, make much of Christ this Christmas season. The world does enough lip service to a Christ they do not know or care about. Let not Christ find us celebrating in vain. Let us make much of Him and cherish what He wrought as a human. As we do, I pray our Christmas would be ever more joyous, ever more meaningful. Jesus Christ, how precious You are! Stay strong in the Lord and God bless!
Friday, November 14, 2008
11-02-08 Sermon Review
Thank God for the Reformation
Luke 24:13-35
This past Halloween, when many in America were celebrating what we call Halloween, a few of us decided to spend the time to celebrate what God was doing in a town called Wittenburg in Germany. 491 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenburg Cathedral. Most scholars mark this day as the beginning of what we know as the Reformation.
What is so great about the Reformation that I am willing to take a break this week and dedicate a sermon to reflect upon it? To say it simply, the Reformers paved the way for us to enjoy the truths and blessings that we know and experience today. The blessings we enjoy such as a bible in our hand, the teachings that confronted heresy that we now hold dearly, both were in some sense a product of God's work in the Reformation. The Reformation was also one of the greatest work of God to bring people to Himself that we know of in all of Church history. If we truly desire God to work again in our day, it would do us well to reflect upon the Reformation.
Before I get into the reason why I believe the Reformation was as powerful as it was, let's take a look at the events that led up to the Reformation. The time of the Reformers was all-together different from the present day. For centuries, the light of the Gospel was being ignored, put under a table. The Church had become nothing more than an organization whose top leaders were simply vying for power. 200 years before Martin Luther came around, the Avignon Papacy began. As Kings were rising to power, they were able to tax all the gold that was shipped out of their domain. This made the Kings rich, and the Catholic Church was getting less money by the day. Therefore, instead of going back to biblical theology, the rulers decided to compete for money. in 1378, Pope Gregory the 9th brought the papacy back to Rome where he soon died. This is where it gets really interesting. A group of bishops wanted to revitalize the Roman primacy, but soon realize they chosed the wrong man for the job. The other bishops at Avignon decided to set up their own Pope, and so began what we now know as the Great Schism. The Church at this time was more concerned about power rather than faithfulness to God and to Scripture.
Something else that started was Indulgences. As the Church was growing poorer, in some sense, they needed to employ something that would bring money back into their treasury. How sad that this money-driven mentality started such heresy as the indulgences that takes advantage of the biblically illiterate. Johan Tetzel would go around saying, "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs!" They promised that their offering would shorten time in purgatory for themselves or for their loved ones who have gone before them. Not only was this bad theology, heresy to say the least, it was also exploitation! Salvation now become something to be bought rather than received from God.
Not only were the people being exploited, but they were also kept from handling Scripture for themselves. Only the priests were allowed to handle God's Word. The Bible was almost entirely in Latin at that time, and so the common people had no access to a Bible in their own language. When the light is kept under a table, it cannot brigthen the room. These times were dark times.
And that is why the Reformation was like a beam of light piercing this gloomy darkness, shedding warmth and clarity to poor souls who have never seen the bright noon sun. The Reformers were returning to biblical studies and were once again striving for biblical fidelity. John Calvin, Martin Luther, Balthasar Hubmaier are a few more notbale figures who were teaching the Bible to the people. When Calvin fled France and entered Geneva, he decided to start his own institute. On opening day, 900 students showed up. Luther, after being excommunicated by the Roman Church, hid and spent years translating the Bible into German. Balathasar Hubmaier would baptize 300 people in one year in one city and 1,200 in the region of Moravia. A return to Scripture sparked a revival. Many lost their lives. But many gained the salvation of their souls.
So a return to biblical teaching spearheaded this great revival. It was the commitment to biblical teaching that allowed these men to help lost souls. People were being freed from the yoke of tyranny and legalism, and were finding justification by faith alone as the Scripture teaches. The commitment to Scripture and to Scripture alone by the Reformers is summed up in Martin Luther's response at the Diet of Worms: "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for each have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God… Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
Would it be safe to say that if the Reformation never happened, we would not have a copy of our own Bible today? If it was not the Reformation, I truly believe that God would have used another means by which He would have gotten His Word to His people. But the fact is this: God did use the Reformation to provide for His people for ages to come. If we truly see the Word of God as precious, the truths of the Scripture as precious, Christ as precious, than thank God for the Reformation.
This is my prayer, that God would raise up men as He did in the days of the Reformation who are committed to Scripture. I pray that God would bring sweeping revival in America, that He would free these lost souls from the yoke of materialism. I pray He accomplishes this by the clear teaching of His Word as He did in the Reformation. Stay strong and God bless!
Luke 24:13-35
This past Halloween, when many in America were celebrating what we call Halloween, a few of us decided to spend the time to celebrate what God was doing in a town called Wittenburg in Germany. 491 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenburg Cathedral. Most scholars mark this day as the beginning of what we know as the Reformation.
What is so great about the Reformation that I am willing to take a break this week and dedicate a sermon to reflect upon it? To say it simply, the Reformers paved the way for us to enjoy the truths and blessings that we know and experience today. The blessings we enjoy such as a bible in our hand, the teachings that confronted heresy that we now hold dearly, both were in some sense a product of God's work in the Reformation. The Reformation was also one of the greatest work of God to bring people to Himself that we know of in all of Church history. If we truly desire God to work again in our day, it would do us well to reflect upon the Reformation.
Before I get into the reason why I believe the Reformation was as powerful as it was, let's take a look at the events that led up to the Reformation. The time of the Reformers was all-together different from the present day. For centuries, the light of the Gospel was being ignored, put under a table. The Church had become nothing more than an organization whose top leaders were simply vying for power. 200 years before Martin Luther came around, the Avignon Papacy began. As Kings were rising to power, they were able to tax all the gold that was shipped out of their domain. This made the Kings rich, and the Catholic Church was getting less money by the day. Therefore, instead of going back to biblical theology, the rulers decided to compete for money. in 1378, Pope Gregory the 9th brought the papacy back to Rome where he soon died. This is where it gets really interesting. A group of bishops wanted to revitalize the Roman primacy, but soon realize they chosed the wrong man for the job. The other bishops at Avignon decided to set up their own Pope, and so began what we now know as the Great Schism. The Church at this time was more concerned about power rather than faithfulness to God and to Scripture.
Something else that started was Indulgences. As the Church was growing poorer, in some sense, they needed to employ something that would bring money back into their treasury. How sad that this money-driven mentality started such heresy as the indulgences that takes advantage of the biblically illiterate. Johan Tetzel would go around saying, "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs!" They promised that their offering would shorten time in purgatory for themselves or for their loved ones who have gone before them. Not only was this bad theology, heresy to say the least, it was also exploitation! Salvation now become something to be bought rather than received from God.
Not only were the people being exploited, but they were also kept from handling Scripture for themselves. Only the priests were allowed to handle God's Word. The Bible was almost entirely in Latin at that time, and so the common people had no access to a Bible in their own language. When the light is kept under a table, it cannot brigthen the room. These times were dark times.
And that is why the Reformation was like a beam of light piercing this gloomy darkness, shedding warmth and clarity to poor souls who have never seen the bright noon sun. The Reformers were returning to biblical studies and were once again striving for biblical fidelity. John Calvin, Martin Luther, Balthasar Hubmaier are a few more notbale figures who were teaching the Bible to the people. When Calvin fled France and entered Geneva, he decided to start his own institute. On opening day, 900 students showed up. Luther, after being excommunicated by the Roman Church, hid and spent years translating the Bible into German. Balathasar Hubmaier would baptize 300 people in one year in one city and 1,200 in the region of Moravia. A return to Scripture sparked a revival. Many lost their lives. But many gained the salvation of their souls.
So a return to biblical teaching spearheaded this great revival. It was the commitment to biblical teaching that allowed these men to help lost souls. People were being freed from the yoke of tyranny and legalism, and were finding justification by faith alone as the Scripture teaches. The commitment to Scripture and to Scripture alone by the Reformers is summed up in Martin Luther's response at the Diet of Worms: "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for each have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God… Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”
Would it be safe to say that if the Reformation never happened, we would not have a copy of our own Bible today? If it was not the Reformation, I truly believe that God would have used another means by which He would have gotten His Word to His people. But the fact is this: God did use the Reformation to provide for His people for ages to come. If we truly see the Word of God as precious, the truths of the Scripture as precious, Christ as precious, than thank God for the Reformation.
This is my prayer, that God would raise up men as He did in the days of the Reformation who are committed to Scripture. I pray that God would bring sweeping revival in America, that He would free these lost souls from the yoke of materialism. I pray He accomplishes this by the clear teaching of His Word as He did in the Reformation. Stay strong and God bless!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
10-19-08 Sermon Review
Knowing God's Will
John 4:34
In our last sermon, we looked at Jesus' satisfaction in doing God's will and finishing His work. Now, I know we're spending a lot of time in this chapter, but I did want to spend a few weeks on a very important topic: Knowing God's will. Why? I never talked with a Christian who denied those fundamental truths that were taught in the last sermon. Actually, there are many people who are fired up about doing God's will. The problem is that many of these same people who are fired up about doing God's do not know how to discern God's will. I have met many people in my college days, many collegians that were passionate about following after God. It breaks my heart to see these people living completely against God's will and thinking that they are in God’s will at the same time. This is a very serious issue. You will be like them, if you're not serious about knowing and discerning God's will.
This is why we're going to spend at least three weeks on this topic. Afterwards, I pray that you will know how to "prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).
God wants us to know His will. It is unquestionable that God desires for us to know His will. Paul expresses this repeatedly in his epistles. For instance, he writes, "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). Again, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed in the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is" (Romans 12:2). He prayed for the churches to know God's will: "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). Obviously, if doing God's will is important, it necessitates that we know God's will in order to do it.
The Bible teaches that there are two different types of God's will. We call one the Will of Decree, and the other the Will of Command. This might seem to you an unimportant nuance, but I want you to know that this distinction is clear in Scripture and that it is immediate, practical implications. Now, what is the difference between these two wills of God and which will are we to know and understand?
1. The Will of Decree - The will of decree is God's sovereign purpose that cannot be thwarted. For example, Daniel 4:35 states, "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can ward of His hand or say to Him, 'what have You done.'" Therefore, God's will here is always accomplished, and he is not responsible towards man to explain what He has done. Isaiah also writes, "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient of times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'" (Isaiah 46:10). God is in complete control of all that happens and everything that happens can be said to have been God's will; He declared the end from the beginning.
2. The Will of Command - The Will of Decree does not leave us with nihilism (i.e. do whatever you want because God's doing it). Remember that God, though he declares all things to be, is not responsible for your sins or any evil (James 1:13). We also need to understand we are under the authority of God's Will of Command. This will can be disobeyed, and our response to this Will of Command has eternal ramifications (i.e. we are held responsible). For example, Jesus states, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heave, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter" (Matthew 7:21). This implies that men are capable of disobeying God's will and are responsible for their actions (unlike God's Will of Decree)! This Will of Command is revealed to us in His Word.
It is very important for us to understand this. Let's say one of us was molested as a young child by our father. Was it God's will for us to be molested in that way? NO! Of course not! God's will of command surely teaches that it is abominable in the sight of the Lord for men to have indecent acts with one another, and especially with young children. Jesus tells us that it is better for one to put a millstone around his neck and throw himself into the sea than to let one of these little ones stumble. So it is definitely not God's will. But at the same time, YES! It is God's will! And though we do not know why God would allow such a horrible thing to be done to me, I trust in His sovereignty, in His Will of Decree that He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Understanding these two wills of God reminds us of our responsibility to not only obey His will, but also to trust in His will.
God wants us to know His will of command. I will give you two reasons why I believe so.
1. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains that "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law." Therefore there are things that we ought not to dabble in, and there are things we ought to devote our lives to knowing. The secret things are God's Will of Decree. The revealed things are God's Will of Command.
2. The Greek word repeatedly used for "will" is thelema. It is different from boulema in that thelema expresses desire while boulema expresses decision. We are called to understand and know God's thelema. Never is boulema used to express the will of God that we must know and understand.
We are called by God to know His will. We are called to know His desires rather than His decisions. In our next sermon, we'll discuss how we can start knowing God's will from what is revealed. But let me leave you with a foretaste by quoting to you what John Piper has said on this issue: "God's will of command is revealed finally, decisively only in the Bible." Let's get serious about knowing God's will; let's get serious about knowing God's Word. Stay strong and God bless!
John 4:34
In our last sermon, we looked at Jesus' satisfaction in doing God's will and finishing His work. Now, I know we're spending a lot of time in this chapter, but I did want to spend a few weeks on a very important topic: Knowing God's will. Why? I never talked with a Christian who denied those fundamental truths that were taught in the last sermon. Actually, there are many people who are fired up about doing God's will. The problem is that many of these same people who are fired up about doing God's do not know how to discern God's will. I have met many people in my college days, many collegians that were passionate about following after God. It breaks my heart to see these people living completely against God's will and thinking that they are in God’s will at the same time. This is a very serious issue. You will be like them, if you're not serious about knowing and discerning God's will.
This is why we're going to spend at least three weeks on this topic. Afterwards, I pray that you will know how to "prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).
God wants us to know His will. It is unquestionable that God desires for us to know His will. Paul expresses this repeatedly in his epistles. For instance, he writes, "So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). Again, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed in the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is" (Romans 12:2). He prayed for the churches to know God's will: "For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). Obviously, if doing God's will is important, it necessitates that we know God's will in order to do it.
The Bible teaches that there are two different types of God's will. We call one the Will of Decree, and the other the Will of Command. This might seem to you an unimportant nuance, but I want you to know that this distinction is clear in Scripture and that it is immediate, practical implications. Now, what is the difference between these two wills of God and which will are we to know and understand?
1. The Will of Decree - The will of decree is God's sovereign purpose that cannot be thwarted. For example, Daniel 4:35 states, "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and no one can ward of His hand or say to Him, 'what have You done.'" Therefore, God's will here is always accomplished, and he is not responsible towards man to explain what He has done. Isaiah also writes, "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient of times things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'" (Isaiah 46:10). God is in complete control of all that happens and everything that happens can be said to have been God's will; He declared the end from the beginning.
2. The Will of Command - The Will of Decree does not leave us with nihilism (i.e. do whatever you want because God's doing it). Remember that God, though he declares all things to be, is not responsible for your sins or any evil (James 1:13). We also need to understand we are under the authority of God's Will of Command. This will can be disobeyed, and our response to this Will of Command has eternal ramifications (i.e. we are held responsible). For example, Jesus states, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heave, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter" (Matthew 7:21). This implies that men are capable of disobeying God's will and are responsible for their actions (unlike God's Will of Decree)! This Will of Command is revealed to us in His Word.
It is very important for us to understand this. Let's say one of us was molested as a young child by our father. Was it God's will for us to be molested in that way? NO! Of course not! God's will of command surely teaches that it is abominable in the sight of the Lord for men to have indecent acts with one another, and especially with young children. Jesus tells us that it is better for one to put a millstone around his neck and throw himself into the sea than to let one of these little ones stumble. So it is definitely not God's will. But at the same time, YES! It is God's will! And though we do not know why God would allow such a horrible thing to be done to me, I trust in His sovereignty, in His Will of Decree that He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Understanding these two wills of God reminds us of our responsibility to not only obey His will, but also to trust in His will.
God wants us to know His will of command. I will give you two reasons why I believe so.
1. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains that "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law." Therefore there are things that we ought not to dabble in, and there are things we ought to devote our lives to knowing. The secret things are God's Will of Decree. The revealed things are God's Will of Command.
2. The Greek word repeatedly used for "will" is thelema. It is different from boulema in that thelema expresses desire while boulema expresses decision. We are called to understand and know God's thelema. Never is boulema used to express the will of God that we must know and understand.
We are called by God to know His will. We are called to know His desires rather than His decisions. In our next sermon, we'll discuss how we can start knowing God's will from what is revealed. But let me leave you with a foretaste by quoting to you what John Piper has said on this issue: "God's will of command is revealed finally, decisively only in the Bible." Let's get serious about knowing God's will; let's get serious about knowing God's Word. Stay strong and God bless!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
06-08-08 Sermon Review
Summer Here I Come! pt. 2 Modesty
We finish up our two part series today by touching on the topic of modesty. When we hear that word, we usually think of clothing, especially for women. But the biblical teaching on modesty encompasses so much more than that and affects both men and women. Modesty is a word that I have to cherish more and one that means much more as I have grown in my walk with the Lord. Why? Christian life is much about modesty. Is it really?
Well, let's take a look at dictionary.com's definition of "modest": 1. Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance. 2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance. 3. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress. 4. Limited or moderate in amount.
If that is the definition of modesty, Christian life is indeed much about modesty. By virture of being Christ, we are to be modest. "Modest" should not just be a word that describes our dress, but our lives as well. Let me take you to 1 Peter 2:11-12 to show you come principles concerning Christian Modesty.
1. Having or Showing a Moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance - The Apostle Peter here addresses Christians as aliens and strangers. Christians can not be boastful, but must recognize their humble estate. They are saved, yet saved by grace and mercy. We are in this life nothing more than aliens and strangers. We are but pilgrims. That shouldn't discourage us, but rather excite us, knowing that this life is not what we're living for. Amongst ourselves we are not better. The Apostle calls us brethren.
2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance - If we are but aliens and strangers, then we ought not make this life our home, much less our boast. It is sad to see many, many making bigger barn-houses when our lives will soon be demanded from the Lord. It is sad to see many, many so concerned by what kind of cars they drive, what kind of gadgets they have, what kind of houses they live in. They love to show people that they are doing well in this life and build a sense of identity with the perception they give off. Remember Christian, we are freed form these things for our identity comes only from the citizenship we have, the citizenship of heaven. We are pilgrims waiting for that heavenly home.
3. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc - The text has two exhortations to us Christians; their importance stressed by the opening words: "Brethren, I urge you." Peter calls Christians to "abstain from fleshly lusts" as well as to "Keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles."
The Lord called us the light of the world; yet, we sometimes do more to add to the darkness than shine the light of righteousness. I was shocked to read of the kind of darkness this world is in. A recent CNN story recounts the shameful acts done by high school students: teenagers taking nude pictures of themselves and sending them to their boyfriends and girlfriends. A comment on the article almost brought me to tears. "Brianna Moran, 15, ... said she is not surprised by such behavior. 'They probably think they're hot or something. If you look at people's MySpace, all the pictures are slutty,' she said" (emphasis mine). This is the kind of world we live in, but we Christians care little about how we act in such a culture. We look just like the world. Friend, we ought to reflect the glorious righteousness of God. We must then have great regard for the decencies of behavior, not just in our dress, but also in our speech, our spending, our xangas, our facebooks, our music, our lives.
4. Limited or moderate in amount, extent - Though we are aliens and strangers, and need to have a high standard of morality, that does not mean that we cannot do anything in this world. The Lord first made this world good and there's much to be enjoyed in this fallen world. But, we are expecting greater things, and having enjoyed better things, must not be addicted to the pleasures of this world. Let us learn from Jonathan Edwards as he writes, "God is the highest good of the reasonable creature, and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. - To go to heaven full y to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accomodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows. But the enjoyment of God is the substance. There are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean." Oh Christian, if we think like this, we cannot long indulge in this world, but take from it what is good until we are met with eternal goodness.
Conclusion
Now what does that mean for us. Most of us are drawn so much to our pagan culture. I pray you'll learn to be moderate and careful with your interaction with it. There's much temptation to dress like the world, but especially for our sisters, I pray you'll find pleasure in the beauty of modesty. Adorn yourselves, beautify yourselves with that which is proper for those claiming godliness (2 Timothy 2:9,10). I pray all of us will not spend our summers chasing fads and getting sucked in to this world and forget our Christian goals. Do this and the Lord is not slow to reward those who are gripped by His authority. Our Gentiles friends are promised a blessing though our respectful behaivor - they will glorfiy God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12). Stay strong in the Lord in the pursuit of Christian modesty, and may He bless you strive onward.
We finish up our two part series today by touching on the topic of modesty. When we hear that word, we usually think of clothing, especially for women. But the biblical teaching on modesty encompasses so much more than that and affects both men and women. Modesty is a word that I have to cherish more and one that means much more as I have grown in my walk with the Lord. Why? Christian life is much about modesty. Is it really?
Well, let's take a look at dictionary.com's definition of "modest": 1. Having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance. 2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance. 3. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress. 4. Limited or moderate in amount.
If that is the definition of modesty, Christian life is indeed much about modesty. By virture of being Christ, we are to be modest. "Modest" should not just be a word that describes our dress, but our lives as well. Let me take you to 1 Peter 2:11-12 to show you come principles concerning Christian Modesty.
1. Having or Showing a Moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance - The Apostle Peter here addresses Christians as aliens and strangers. Christians can not be boastful, but must recognize their humble estate. They are saved, yet saved by grace and mercy. We are in this life nothing more than aliens and strangers. We are but pilgrims. That shouldn't discourage us, but rather excite us, knowing that this life is not what we're living for. Amongst ourselves we are not better. The Apostle calls us brethren.
2. Free from ostentation or showy extravagance - If we are but aliens and strangers, then we ought not make this life our home, much less our boast. It is sad to see many, many making bigger barn-houses when our lives will soon be demanded from the Lord. It is sad to see many, many so concerned by what kind of cars they drive, what kind of gadgets they have, what kind of houses they live in. They love to show people that they are doing well in this life and build a sense of identity with the perception they give off. Remember Christian, we are freed form these things for our identity comes only from the citizenship we have, the citizenship of heaven. We are pilgrims waiting for that heavenly home.
3. Having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc - The text has two exhortations to us Christians; their importance stressed by the opening words: "Brethren, I urge you." Peter calls Christians to "abstain from fleshly lusts" as well as to "Keep our behavior excellent among the Gentiles."
The Lord called us the light of the world; yet, we sometimes do more to add to the darkness than shine the light of righteousness. I was shocked to read of the kind of darkness this world is in. A recent CNN story recounts the shameful acts done by high school students: teenagers taking nude pictures of themselves and sending them to their boyfriends and girlfriends. A comment on the article almost brought me to tears. "Brianna Moran, 15, ... said she is not surprised by such behavior. 'They probably think they're hot or something. If you look at people's MySpace, all the pictures are slutty,' she said" (emphasis mine). This is the kind of world we live in, but we Christians care little about how we act in such a culture. We look just like the world. Friend, we ought to reflect the glorious righteousness of God. We must then have great regard for the decencies of behavior, not just in our dress, but also in our speech, our spending, our xangas, our facebooks, our music, our lives.
4. Limited or moderate in amount, extent - Though we are aliens and strangers, and need to have a high standard of morality, that does not mean that we cannot do anything in this world. The Lord first made this world good and there's much to be enjoyed in this fallen world. But, we are expecting greater things, and having enjoyed better things, must not be addicted to the pleasures of this world. Let us learn from Jonathan Edwards as he writes, "God is the highest good of the reasonable creature, and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. - To go to heaven full y to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accomodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows. But the enjoyment of God is the substance. There are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the fountain. These are but drops, but God is the ocean." Oh Christian, if we think like this, we cannot long indulge in this world, but take from it what is good until we are met with eternal goodness.
Conclusion
Now what does that mean for us. Most of us are drawn so much to our pagan culture. I pray you'll learn to be moderate and careful with your interaction with it. There's much temptation to dress like the world, but especially for our sisters, I pray you'll find pleasure in the beauty of modesty. Adorn yourselves, beautify yourselves with that which is proper for those claiming godliness (2 Timothy 2:9,10). I pray all of us will not spend our summers chasing fads and getting sucked in to this world and forget our Christian goals. Do this and the Lord is not slow to reward those who are gripped by His authority. Our Gentiles friends are promised a blessing though our respectful behaivor - they will glorfiy God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12). Stay strong in the Lord in the pursuit of Christian modesty, and may He bless you strive onward.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
06-01-08 Sermon Review
Summer, Here I Come! - pt. 1 - Time
With the conlusion of our exposition in the first chapter of the Gospel according to John, I thought it would be a nice breather to address some topical issues, especially as summer is just around the corner. We will spend two sermons to help us prepare for the summer, this week looking at the value of time and next week the beauty of modesty.
Now I must say that the topic of "summer time" is very personal for me, for I have wasted a great amount of my summers. Last week, I told you about how I wasted it watching anime with my brother and sister (almost 20 hours a week). This week, I want to tell you about my summer between freshmen and sophomore year. I had a good friend named Daniel (and we're still good friends by the way), and that year we had an awesome idea. At the time, Pokemon was ridiculously popular and Pokemon cards had taken the children of America by storm. I remember one card with the Pokemon Charizard would sell for well over 50 dollars at the time. With the economy of the Silicaon Valley doing real well, rich little kids were spending their parents' money like wildfire. So guess what great idea my friend Daniel and I came up with? That summer, we gave ourselves to the business of selling and trading Pokemon cards. Daniel actually got a Sega Dreamcast out of it, but I just lost a lot of money. Looking back on it now, I don't feel any better; it was a great summer gone to waste.
When I was reading through Piper's Don't Waste Your Life, I came across a similar but more dramatic story. An old man, well into his 80's came to Christ through the ministry of Piper's father. Though it was reason for great rejoicing for the man as well as the congregation, Piper tells us how the old man wept and shouted, "I've wasted it, I've wasted it!"
Summer is a great time, it is a gift from the Lord. For most of us, it is paradise after traveling through the desert of school. We feel so good about it because it is finally time where we can set our own schedule, do whatever we want, and have a lot of fun doing it. Well, that's how I viewed it. But I pray that as we look at the importance of time, and as you consider your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will not waste your summer. I pray you won't end up like me wasting my summer with Pokemon cards and anime. I pray you won't end up like that old man who could only say, "I've wasted it, I've wasted it!"
Now, how are we to approach this? Well, I could tell you what to do and what not to do, but that will just make me a legalist. What I really want to do today is to teach you about time, so that what you know about time and eternity will drive the decisions that you make. And then I want to appeal to you by showing the great benefits of "wasting your life for Christ" with your time. We'll close with some exhortations and practical considerations.
Biblical view of time and life - It is imperative that we understand some very key truths concerning time if we are not to waste it. Let me explain four truths concerning time that I pray will be helpful to stir you up to love and good deeds.
With the conlusion of our exposition in the first chapter of the Gospel according to John, I thought it would be a nice breather to address some topical issues, especially as summer is just around the corner. We will spend two sermons to help us prepare for the summer, this week looking at the value of time and next week the beauty of modesty.
Now I must say that the topic of "summer time" is very personal for me, for I have wasted a great amount of my summers. Last week, I told you about how I wasted it watching anime with my brother and sister (almost 20 hours a week). This week, I want to tell you about my summer between freshmen and sophomore year. I had a good friend named Daniel (and we're still good friends by the way), and that year we had an awesome idea. At the time, Pokemon was ridiculously popular and Pokemon cards had taken the children of America by storm. I remember one card with the Pokemon Charizard would sell for well over 50 dollars at the time. With the economy of the Silicaon Valley doing real well, rich little kids were spending their parents' money like wildfire. So guess what great idea my friend Daniel and I came up with? That summer, we gave ourselves to the business of selling and trading Pokemon cards. Daniel actually got a Sega Dreamcast out of it, but I just lost a lot of money. Looking back on it now, I don't feel any better; it was a great summer gone to waste.
When I was reading through Piper's Don't Waste Your Life, I came across a similar but more dramatic story. An old man, well into his 80's came to Christ through the ministry of Piper's father. Though it was reason for great rejoicing for the man as well as the congregation, Piper tells us how the old man wept and shouted, "I've wasted it, I've wasted it!"
Summer is a great time, it is a gift from the Lord. For most of us, it is paradise after traveling through the desert of school. We feel so good about it because it is finally time where we can set our own schedule, do whatever we want, and have a lot of fun doing it. Well, that's how I viewed it. But I pray that as we look at the importance of time, and as you consider your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will not waste your summer. I pray you won't end up like me wasting my summer with Pokemon cards and anime. I pray you won't end up like that old man who could only say, "I've wasted it, I've wasted it!"
Now, how are we to approach this? Well, I could tell you what to do and what not to do, but that will just make me a legalist. What I really want to do today is to teach you about time, so that what you know about time and eternity will drive the decisions that you make. And then I want to appeal to you by showing the great benefits of "wasting your life for Christ" with your time. We'll close with some exhortations and practical considerations.
Biblical view of time and life - It is imperative that we understand some very key truths concerning time if we are not to waste it. Let me explain four truths concerning time that I pray will be helpful to stir you up to love and good deeds.
Time is limited - Everyone will one day die, that is a known fact. 10 out of 10 people die. yes it is true that some will not taste death, but that does not negate the fact that we have a narrow window in which we can live this side of eternity. We don't have all the time in the world. We need to live as if the hourglass of our lives were right before us. The psalmist, knowing this reality, prays to God, "So teach us to number our days,That we may present to You a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).
Time is not yours - Time is a gift from God. You were given life and time. The psalmist cries "in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me" (Psalm 139:16). You have been given life and time to accomplish the will of God has for you. Time was given so that God may be glorified through our good works. Paul tells us that "we were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which were prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
Time is war-time - I want you to know, that the life that we're living right now in a great spiritual battle and the costs are high, very high. Paul explains to the Ephesians that we're in a war and explains that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12). Even Jesus said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). The reason why I say this is that war-time is drastically different from peace-time. The priorities are different, the attentiveness is different, the purpose is different. We need to live our lives as if we're in war.
You are accountable - To top it all off, everything we do here in this life with the time that we have, we'll have to give an account of it when we meet our Maker. Paul explains, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). As in the parable of the talents, where the stewards give an account of what they did with the talents while their master was away, we also will have to give an account. What will you see before the Lord and what will you receive? Will you only have Pokemon cards in your hand to show for what you have done this summer?
Benefits of wasting your life for Christ - So as you consider these truths, I pray you would "waste your life" on the altar of God's glory. I pray you would plan with a biblical perspective, putting your spiritual health and evangelism as the highest priorities. In the world's eyes, it will truly seem like a "wasted life." I am so glad that I can tell you today that it surely isn't. I am overjoyed that I can appeal to you, not only by telling you it's the right thing to do, but also by sharing with you the great benefits of spending time wisely.
Future Reward - As I have stated earlier, you will give an account, and for those of us who have "seized the day" for the glory of God, will have something to say and something to receive. This knowledge of future hope ought to excite us to fill our days with love and good deeds, being fruitful.
Immediate Reward - But there's also a present reward for using your time so radically for Jesus. People will actually think you're a Christian, and you will too. These two things are a very immediate reward in that you'll experience it on this side of eternity. Your non-Christian friends will start wondering why you're so different, and it will be an open door for you to share the Gospel. Your life and decision-making will so reflect that of Christ, your faith will be made sure. There is probably no greater reward that we can receive than these two in this present life.
Better ways to spend your time - So as you consider this summer, let me beg of you not to waste it for vanity, but waste it truly on the altar of His glory. Jim Elliot prayed, "Father, take my life, yea, my blood if Thou wilt, and consume it with Thine enveloping fire. I would not save it, for it is not mine to save. Have it Lord, have it all. Pour out my life as an oblation for the world. Blood is only of value as it flows before Thine altar."
Let me suggest to you some productive ways you can spend your summer. Make a diligent effort to make it to all church events and not forsake the assembly. Read the Bible and good Christian books, I have many that I'd highly recommend from our library. Listen to Sermons, there are a bunch of free ones at Desiring God that I would highly recommend. Plan some events for your church brothers and sisters, maybe a BBQ or a movie night or other fun things. Have a good conversation with one of your church members over lunch or dinner. Take opportunities to share the Gospel with a friend.
To add to all the suggestions, let me beg of you, don't waste your life and your mind by watching too much television. It will kill your mind, it will kill your soul, slowly, but surely. With that said, I want to remind you of grace. With such exhortations, I must close with a reminder of the gospel. These aren't things that are done to attain salvation. These are ways in which we can live a better way and enjoy salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. Let us remember that as we try with all our fervor to make our summer a pleasurable summer, one that is a delight to the Lord. Stay strong and God bless!
Time is not yours - Time is a gift from God. You were given life and time. The psalmist cries "in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me" (Psalm 139:16). You have been given life and time to accomplish the will of God has for you. Time was given so that God may be glorified through our good works. Paul tells us that "we were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which were prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
Time is war-time - I want you to know, that the life that we're living right now in a great spiritual battle and the costs are high, very high. Paul explains to the Ephesians that we're in a war and explains that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12). Even Jesus said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). The reason why I say this is that war-time is drastically different from peace-time. The priorities are different, the attentiveness is different, the purpose is different. We need to live our lives as if we're in war.
You are accountable - To top it all off, everything we do here in this life with the time that we have, we'll have to give an account of it when we meet our Maker. Paul explains, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). As in the parable of the talents, where the stewards give an account of what they did with the talents while their master was away, we also will have to give an account. What will you see before the Lord and what will you receive? Will you only have Pokemon cards in your hand to show for what you have done this summer?
Benefits of wasting your life for Christ - So as you consider these truths, I pray you would "waste your life" on the altar of God's glory. I pray you would plan with a biblical perspective, putting your spiritual health and evangelism as the highest priorities. In the world's eyes, it will truly seem like a "wasted life." I am so glad that I can tell you today that it surely isn't. I am overjoyed that I can appeal to you, not only by telling you it's the right thing to do, but also by sharing with you the great benefits of spending time wisely.
Future Reward - As I have stated earlier, you will give an account, and for those of us who have "seized the day" for the glory of God, will have something to say and something to receive. This knowledge of future hope ought to excite us to fill our days with love and good deeds, being fruitful.
Immediate Reward - But there's also a present reward for using your time so radically for Jesus. People will actually think you're a Christian, and you will too. These two things are a very immediate reward in that you'll experience it on this side of eternity. Your non-Christian friends will start wondering why you're so different, and it will be an open door for you to share the Gospel. Your life and decision-making will so reflect that of Christ, your faith will be made sure. There is probably no greater reward that we can receive than these two in this present life.
Better ways to spend your time - So as you consider this summer, let me beg of you not to waste it for vanity, but waste it truly on the altar of His glory. Jim Elliot prayed, "Father, take my life, yea, my blood if Thou wilt, and consume it with Thine enveloping fire. I would not save it, for it is not mine to save. Have it Lord, have it all. Pour out my life as an oblation for the world. Blood is only of value as it flows before Thine altar."
Let me suggest to you some productive ways you can spend your summer. Make a diligent effort to make it to all church events and not forsake the assembly. Read the Bible and good Christian books, I have many that I'd highly recommend from our library. Listen to Sermons, there are a bunch of free ones at Desiring God that I would highly recommend. Plan some events for your church brothers and sisters, maybe a BBQ or a movie night or other fun things. Have a good conversation with one of your church members over lunch or dinner. Take opportunities to share the Gospel with a friend.
To add to all the suggestions, let me beg of you, don't waste your life and your mind by watching too much television. It will kill your mind, it will kill your soul, slowly, but surely. With that said, I want to remind you of grace. With such exhortations, I must close with a reminder of the gospel. These aren't things that are done to attain salvation. These are ways in which we can live a better way and enjoy salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. Let us remember that as we try with all our fervor to make our summer a pleasurable summer, one that is a delight to the Lord. Stay strong and God bless!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
05-11-08 Sermon Review
This week, I had the opportunity to speak at our outdoor service for Mother's Day and though I was only allowed ten minutes, I really did enjoy this great privilege of sharing the Word with the whole congregation. I pray the sermon notes below will be a blessing as you meditate on motherhood a few days after Mother's Day.
The Honor of Motherhood
Pastor Park told me a few weeks ago that I'll have this opportunity to address the mothers of our church, and what an honor to do so. It is my great joy to share with you. Since I only have ten minutes, and usually I take 45 minutes to an hour at our youth services, I'm only making one point today, and I pray this one point will leave a lasting impression. The point I want to make today by taking you through the Scriptures is this: God honors mothers.
The reason I believe this is such a critical issue today in our church is because many don't believe that motherhood is a high calling and a privilege for women. Actually, with the feminist movement infiltrating the Church, many Christian women have given into the lie that motherhood is a hindrance to women individuality, some even claiming that it hinders them from service to the Lord. But I want to show you that is completely against the teaching of Scripture. It is undeniable that the Bible displays motherhood as one of the highest callings for a woman and a great privilege. Here are three ways that I see this in Scripture.
God entrusts the raising of His servants to mothers. There is a countless number of God's servants that were raised by godly mothers. But more so it seems that God had entrusted these men into the care of their mothers. Such examples are Samson (see judges 13 and how God constantly speaks to the wife of Manoah), Timothy (see 2 Timothy 1:5), and even Jesus.
God commands His people to honor their mothers. God also requires that His people honor widows as well, widows who have served as mothers (1 Timothy 5:10). We must realzie that God doesn't simply require this from His people for it's own sake or for posterity's sake. God sees the labor of mothers as truly worthy of such honor.
God directly honors mothers in Scripture. From my recollection, there is no passage in the bible of the excellent husband, but there is one of the excellent wife (Proverbs 31). This wife that is honored was one that took motherhood seriously, and such a woman God honors. Five women are mentioned in the geneology of Jesus in Matthew 1. Timothy's mother and grandmother are praise in 2 Timothy 1:5. And these are but a couple of examples.
Though it was a very short a cursory glance at the honor of motherhood, I hope it was convincing enough to you to show that motherhood is indeed a high-calling and that it is a great privilege. I am not saying that every women should be a mother, but what I am saying is that every mother should take her call to be a mom seriously and joyfully.
I was surprised and overjoyed that God is indeed raising up a young Christian generation that has not given into the lie of feminism, but recognizes the high call of motherhood. I was reading Do Hard Things a couple of weeks ago and came across a girl name Brittany Lewin. She was eighteen years old and was already successful in the world of politics. At the height of her achievement, she says this: "I wouldn't mind a promotion from campaign manager to housewife. Motherhood is a higher calling than politics."
There is a reward for every one who serves the Lord. And as mothers, I pray you're not satisfied with the recognition you get once a year with a genuine hallmark card, or dinner out with the family, or carnations you get at church, or whatever you might do to celebrate Mother's Day. They are all good things, but they pale in comparison with the honor and the reward you will receive when the Lord calls you home and says, "Well done my good and faithful slave." Remember the high calling of motherhood, and remember the reward. God will honor your faithful service. Stay strong and God bless!
The Honor of Motherhood
Pastor Park told me a few weeks ago that I'll have this opportunity to address the mothers of our church, and what an honor to do so. It is my great joy to share with you. Since I only have ten minutes, and usually I take 45 minutes to an hour at our youth services, I'm only making one point today, and I pray this one point will leave a lasting impression. The point I want to make today by taking you through the Scriptures is this: God honors mothers.
The reason I believe this is such a critical issue today in our church is because many don't believe that motherhood is a high calling and a privilege for women. Actually, with the feminist movement infiltrating the Church, many Christian women have given into the lie that motherhood is a hindrance to women individuality, some even claiming that it hinders them from service to the Lord. But I want to show you that is completely against the teaching of Scripture. It is undeniable that the Bible displays motherhood as one of the highest callings for a woman and a great privilege. Here are three ways that I see this in Scripture.
God entrusts the raising of His servants to mothers. There is a countless number of God's servants that were raised by godly mothers. But more so it seems that God had entrusted these men into the care of their mothers. Such examples are Samson (see judges 13 and how God constantly speaks to the wife of Manoah), Timothy (see 2 Timothy 1:5), and even Jesus.
God commands His people to honor their mothers. God also requires that His people honor widows as well, widows who have served as mothers (1 Timothy 5:10). We must realzie that God doesn't simply require this from His people for it's own sake or for posterity's sake. God sees the labor of mothers as truly worthy of such honor.
God directly honors mothers in Scripture. From my recollection, there is no passage in the bible of the excellent husband, but there is one of the excellent wife (Proverbs 31). This wife that is honored was one that took motherhood seriously, and such a woman God honors. Five women are mentioned in the geneology of Jesus in Matthew 1. Timothy's mother and grandmother are praise in 2 Timothy 1:5. And these are but a couple of examples.
Though it was a very short a cursory glance at the honor of motherhood, I hope it was convincing enough to you to show that motherhood is indeed a high-calling and that it is a great privilege. I am not saying that every women should be a mother, but what I am saying is that every mother should take her call to be a mom seriously and joyfully.
I was surprised and overjoyed that God is indeed raising up a young Christian generation that has not given into the lie of feminism, but recognizes the high call of motherhood. I was reading Do Hard Things a couple of weeks ago and came across a girl name Brittany Lewin. She was eighteen years old and was already successful in the world of politics. At the height of her achievement, she says this: "I wouldn't mind a promotion from campaign manager to housewife. Motherhood is a higher calling than politics."
There is a reward for every one who serves the Lord. And as mothers, I pray you're not satisfied with the recognition you get once a year with a genuine hallmark card, or dinner out with the family, or carnations you get at church, or whatever you might do to celebrate Mother's Day. They are all good things, but they pale in comparison with the honor and the reward you will receive when the Lord calls you home and says, "Well done my good and faithful slave." Remember the high calling of motherhood, and remember the reward. God will honor your faithful service. Stay strong and God bless!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
DKC - DCCC Praise Night Sermon
Hello all! Here is the video of the sermon that I preached at the Praise night this Saturday. The sermon is on Unity and is around 40 minutes long. I pray you would be encouraged and blessed by it!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
03-23-08 Sermon Review
This past Sunday was a joyful day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The following sermon is an abridged transcript from Sunday's message.
The Significance of the Resurrection
Resurrection Sunday, what a precious day to celebrate the Resurrection. But it always saddens me that many come through the doors of our churches in America to celebrate Resurrection Sunday as if it was any other Holiday. It's a day to celebrate life, procreation, age, and on the list goes. And in this culture where Resurrection Sunday is trivialized, and the meaning of it all has been eclipsed with marshmallow bunnies and cadberry eggs, we must stop and ask ourselves, why do I celebrate, why do I rejoice in the resurrection. I pray that there is a reason why you want to rejoice in the resurrection.
To help us answer this question, why we rejoice, we'll look to the Word of God to reveal us great truths of the resurrection. Our text is in Romans 4:19-25
"Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification."
Here in this text, Paul is explaining to us why the story of Abraham's justification was written in Scripture. He writes that it was for our sake. Why? Because we believe in the Lord Jesus who died and resurrected for our justification. And it was for this that Jesus went to the cross and was raised from the dead, for our justification. Verse 25 states that He was "delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification." If there was no need on our part, no need for justification, there was no need for Christ to die and be raised. No need for justification, no need for the resurrection. Nada.
Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead simply because he wanted to. Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead for the sake of resurrecting. Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead to show that He was mighty and powerful. Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead to show us a moral example of how to live for others. Christ died and resurrected from the dead for our justification.
So then I conclude: We will celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection as much as we celebrate and rejoice in our justification.
So then, what is justification? Everyone has a personal relationship with God, but not everyone has a right relationship with God. There's only two kinds of relationships with God, one that embraces Him as Father and LORD, and one that fears Him as Judge and awaits His fierce wrath. Everyone of us by default fall into the latter group and face the anger of God. Do you recognize your need to be justified before God? That your relationship with God is twisted and needs to be corrected? You can try replacing your need to be justified by other things, but nothing will satisfy. You need to be justified before God.
How then are we justified? For this Paul gives us the example of Abraham. It can be outlined in three statements.
He contemplated his dead body (vs 19). Abraham knew it was impossible for him to attain what God has promised, that he would have a son. It was physically impossible. In the same way, we need to recognize our deadness spiritually. We are in no way capable of attaining justification on our own. We need to contemplate that and recognize that.
He continued in faith (vs 20-21). Though it was impossible in the flesh, Abraham knew all things were possible with God. He did no waver. He knew that His God was able. It is the same for us! Though we are incapable, we believe in the God who is able! "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26).
He captured the prize (vs 22). The faith that Abraham has was not vain. He actually received the promise that He put His faith in. How much more so for us who actually have the cross, who actually know the risen Savior! The product of our faith, justification, is a reality!
Justification is a gift of mercy upon sinners by a loving God. Do you embrace this merciful act by God? Do you embrace God enough to value your justification? If you do, then you recognize the significance of the resurrection. No resurrection, no justification. So much so that Paul would write in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19:
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."
Notice what the problem for Paul is if Christ is not raised: we are still in our sins. We are still in need of justification without the resurrection. This is the significance of the resurrection. In the resurrection, we find our justification. The results of having this justification, the results of believing and attaining justification by faith is the joy of the believer. Romans 5:1-11 explains that in great detail. Now, whenever you think about the resurrection, I pray you'll closely tie it with your justification. Just meditate on this thought: There was no reason why Christ should have to die and resurrect if not for your need of justification. Keep asking why did He do it? why? why? And fall in love with the mercy of God, fall in love with the resurrection. Stay strong and God bless!
The Significance of the Resurrection
Resurrection Sunday, what a precious day to celebrate the Resurrection. But it always saddens me that many come through the doors of our churches in America to celebrate Resurrection Sunday as if it was any other Holiday. It's a day to celebrate life, procreation, age, and on the list goes. And in this culture where Resurrection Sunday is trivialized, and the meaning of it all has been eclipsed with marshmallow bunnies and cadberry eggs, we must stop and ask ourselves, why do I celebrate, why do I rejoice in the resurrection. I pray that there is a reason why you want to rejoice in the resurrection.
To help us answer this question, why we rejoice, we'll look to the Word of God to reveal us great truths of the resurrection. Our text is in Romans 4:19-25
"Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification."
Here in this text, Paul is explaining to us why the story of Abraham's justification was written in Scripture. He writes that it was for our sake. Why? Because we believe in the Lord Jesus who died and resurrected for our justification. And it was for this that Jesus went to the cross and was raised from the dead, for our justification. Verse 25 states that He was "delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification." If there was no need on our part, no need for justification, there was no need for Christ to die and be raised. No need for justification, no need for the resurrection. Nada.
Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead simply because he wanted to. Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead for the sake of resurrecting. Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead to show that He was mighty and powerful. Christ did not die and resurrect from the dead to show us a moral example of how to live for others. Christ died and resurrected from the dead for our justification.
So then I conclude: We will celebrate and rejoice in the resurrection as much as we celebrate and rejoice in our justification.
So then, what is justification? Everyone has a personal relationship with God, but not everyone has a right relationship with God. There's only two kinds of relationships with God, one that embraces Him as Father and LORD, and one that fears Him as Judge and awaits His fierce wrath. Everyone of us by default fall into the latter group and face the anger of God. Do you recognize your need to be justified before God? That your relationship with God is twisted and needs to be corrected? You can try replacing your need to be justified by other things, but nothing will satisfy. You need to be justified before God.
How then are we justified? For this Paul gives us the example of Abraham. It can be outlined in three statements.
He contemplated his dead body (vs 19). Abraham knew it was impossible for him to attain what God has promised, that he would have a son. It was physically impossible. In the same way, we need to recognize our deadness spiritually. We are in no way capable of attaining justification on our own. We need to contemplate that and recognize that.
He continued in faith (vs 20-21). Though it was impossible in the flesh, Abraham knew all things were possible with God. He did no waver. He knew that His God was able. It is the same for us! Though we are incapable, we believe in the God who is able! "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26).
He captured the prize (vs 22). The faith that Abraham has was not vain. He actually received the promise that He put His faith in. How much more so for us who actually have the cross, who actually know the risen Savior! The product of our faith, justification, is a reality!
Justification is a gift of mercy upon sinners by a loving God. Do you embrace this merciful act by God? Do you embrace God enough to value your justification? If you do, then you recognize the significance of the resurrection. No resurrection, no justification. So much so that Paul would write in 1 Corinthians 15:17-19:
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."
Notice what the problem for Paul is if Christ is not raised: we are still in our sins. We are still in need of justification without the resurrection. This is the significance of the resurrection. In the resurrection, we find our justification. The results of having this justification, the results of believing and attaining justification by faith is the joy of the believer. Romans 5:1-11 explains that in great detail. Now, whenever you think about the resurrection, I pray you'll closely tie it with your justification. Just meditate on this thought: There was no reason why Christ should have to die and resurrect if not for your need of justification. Keep asking why did He do it? why? why? And fall in love with the mercy of God, fall in love with the resurrection. Stay strong and God bless!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
03-15-08 Sermon Review
It's Wednesday, so it's time for our sermon review!
This week, because it is passion week, I thought it would be nice to take a break and hear from a renown preacher, CJ Mahaney, on the topic of the cross*. As we remember the cross and look forward to Good Friday, I pray CJ Mahaney's sermon on the Suffering Servant was helpful to keep your mind focused on the mercy and grace revealed to sinners like us on the cross.
The Suffering Servant - CJ Mahaney
Mahaney started the sermon by taking us to the Chronicles of Narnia. After describing the death of Aslan, the girls are terrified. But when they see Aslan, that He is still alive, they ask an interesting questions, "But what does it all mean?" Mahaney states that there could be no more significant question to ask. We ourselves, must ask of the cross, what does it all mean?
Mahaney then took us to the passage of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. He outlined his sermon thus: The appearance, the reality, and the significance.
The Appearance - The Messiah did not come in splendor and glory according to Isaiah; He was quite normal. Mahaney stated that if he could manage to re-create a picture of Jesus and His disciples, we would all be guessing which one was Jesus. Isaiah clinches this thought by saying, "we esteemed Him not." Our King had come, our Savior was there, our Lord was crucified; yet, we esteemed Him not.
The Reality - Though the appearance was not impressive and seemed insignificant, the reality was quite the contrary. What occurred on the cross was the pinnacle of human and divine history. The man Christ Jesus did not die on the cross for His own sins. He was innocent; yet, He died a criminal's death. The Son of God was hanging on a tree on behalf of the sinner. Mahaney gives three points to describe the reality: 1) He died for us, 2) He died for our sins, and 3) He died as our substitute. Mahaney reminds us that we are responsible for Jesus' death. Our sins put him on the cross. It is because of this great act of mercy and grace, that sinners are saved and praise the Savior. Mahaney clearly, forcefully, and passionately reminds us that the Cross is the song of the redeemed, not only on earth, but even more so in heaven.
The Significance - Mahaney ends his sermon by showing the significance of Jesus bearing the cross for our sins as our substitute. He takes us to 53:10 which states, "Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer." God crushed His Son. To show the world that He loves sinners, God crushed His Son. Mahaney gives a provocative thought for meditation: One might think the Father loved us more than Jesus. Oh the extent the Father went to show His love for the world.
In closing, Mahaney asked that we all consider the cross and how great a love that was shown. Mahaney pleads, and I add my voice to His, that we come not only to trust in the cross for our salvation, but also to cherish the cross, for it was there that God's love was shown most vividly, dynamically, and emphatically. Indeed, I pray that we might all be freshly amazed at the Father's love for us! Stay strong and God bless!
* The sermon was originally preached during the 2007 Resolved Conference. I have the dvd set for the whole conference, so if you're interested in watching this video yourself, or watching any of the other sermons, please just ask me for the dvds!
This week, because it is passion week, I thought it would be nice to take a break and hear from a renown preacher, CJ Mahaney, on the topic of the cross*. As we remember the cross and look forward to Good Friday, I pray CJ Mahaney's sermon on the Suffering Servant was helpful to keep your mind focused on the mercy and grace revealed to sinners like us on the cross.
The Suffering Servant - CJ Mahaney
Mahaney started the sermon by taking us to the Chronicles of Narnia. After describing the death of Aslan, the girls are terrified. But when they see Aslan, that He is still alive, they ask an interesting questions, "But what does it all mean?" Mahaney states that there could be no more significant question to ask. We ourselves, must ask of the cross, what does it all mean?
Mahaney then took us to the passage of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. He outlined his sermon thus: The appearance, the reality, and the significance.
The Appearance - The Messiah did not come in splendor and glory according to Isaiah; He was quite normal. Mahaney stated that if he could manage to re-create a picture of Jesus and His disciples, we would all be guessing which one was Jesus. Isaiah clinches this thought by saying, "we esteemed Him not." Our King had come, our Savior was there, our Lord was crucified; yet, we esteemed Him not.
The Reality - Though the appearance was not impressive and seemed insignificant, the reality was quite the contrary. What occurred on the cross was the pinnacle of human and divine history. The man Christ Jesus did not die on the cross for His own sins. He was innocent; yet, He died a criminal's death. The Son of God was hanging on a tree on behalf of the sinner. Mahaney gives three points to describe the reality: 1) He died for us, 2) He died for our sins, and 3) He died as our substitute. Mahaney reminds us that we are responsible for Jesus' death. Our sins put him on the cross. It is because of this great act of mercy and grace, that sinners are saved and praise the Savior. Mahaney clearly, forcefully, and passionately reminds us that the Cross is the song of the redeemed, not only on earth, but even more so in heaven.
The Significance - Mahaney ends his sermon by showing the significance of Jesus bearing the cross for our sins as our substitute. He takes us to 53:10 which states, "Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer." God crushed His Son. To show the world that He loves sinners, God crushed His Son. Mahaney gives a provocative thought for meditation: One might think the Father loved us more than Jesus. Oh the extent the Father went to show His love for the world.
In closing, Mahaney asked that we all consider the cross and how great a love that was shown. Mahaney pleads, and I add my voice to His, that we come not only to trust in the cross for our salvation, but also to cherish the cross, for it was there that God's love was shown most vividly, dynamically, and emphatically. Indeed, I pray that we might all be freshly amazed at the Father's love for us! Stay strong and God bless!
* The sermon was originally preached during the 2007 Resolved Conference. I have the dvd set for the whole conference, so if you're interested in watching this video yourself, or watching any of the other sermons, please just ask me for the dvds!
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