Would You Join Me In Prayer?

I have been contemplating for the last couple of years to return to pastoral ministries. I have been mulling over for the last couple of years whether or not to plant a new church, and where to plant this new church or to seek an existing church in need of a Teaching Pastor.

What has made this decision difficult is three things:

1. My gift is Teaching, supported by administration. I am a teacher. I am committed to evangelism but do not consider myself to be gifted as an evangelist. I feel it will be difficult for a Teacher to plant a work vs an evangelist. However, I am committed to the fact that one plants, one waters, but it is our Sovereign God who gives the increase of His choosing. So, it is not me nor any evangelist who "builds" the church - it is God. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

2. I have no "organizational" backing. I was unable to continue as a member of the IFCA due to my commitment to the Doctrines of Grace. The last year that I was a member, the doctrinal statement, which had to be both subscribed to and signed each year, contained a prohibition against holding a position of limited atonement. Since I believe the cross was limited to those whom God determined to redeem I could not subscribe to nor sign the doctrinal statement. Since leaving the IFCA I have fellowshipped with "independent" churches. So, I would be planting a new work without the backing, support, or even prayers of an "organization."

3. I have made the commitment to begin with people whom God has specifically supplied and not "stolen" sheep from existing fellowships or by collecting disgruntled church hoppers with a consumer mind set. As a result I have waited for someone to come along who shared my similar convictions and beliefs.

I have made the decision to plant the Christ Community Church in Longview, WA. I recognize that man proposes, Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." I also know that I can make decisions, and have, that have been by my own desire rather than actually having come from the Lord. So, I have decided to make a decision and then pray for the next two weeks, along with periods of secret fasting in order to see if this decision is from the Lord or from merely myself. I ask you to join me in concentrated and regular prayer for the next two weeks for either confirmation or non-conformation concerning my decision.

I believe as I make a decision that God will either give me peace or unrest, open the doors or close doors, lead further into this decision or lead me away from this decision and towards His will. I rest in Psalms 37:4 that if I meditate on the Word, and seek God with my whole heart, that He will give to me His desires in my heart and that my desires will be His desires for His glory.

Will you pray with me and I trust that as September 25th rolls around that God has clearly revealed His will one way or the other?

Review: Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography

Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography

Iain Murray The Banner of Truth Trust D. Martin Lloyd-Jones wrote of Jonathan Edwards: “No man is more relevant to the present conditions of Christianity than Jonathan Edwards... He was a mighty theologian and a great evangelist at the same time. If you want to know anything bout true revival, Edwards is the man to consult. My advice is read Jonathan Edwards. Go back to something solid and deep and real.” Murray records these words in his preface; “Imperfect as it is, it has cost me much time and labor; much more than I thought of when I undertook it’, so writes Samuel Hopkins on the completion of his Life and Character of the Late Reverend Jonathan Edwards in 1761. Subsequent writers on Edwards have probably all experienced similar difficulty.” The book is well done, an easy and exciting read about this legendary pastor, theologian, and College President. It is one of those stories that grips you and you can not put it down until long after your eyes are tired and strained from trying to squeeze out every word from each page. Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography begins with an introduction that is designed to help us understand the man who is the subject of this great book. A number of descriptions and opinions are drawn together for your consideration from previous biographers and writers. The book then develops the life, background, ministry, and accomplishments over twenty three chapters. This book consists of four hundred seventy two pages with the addition of four appendixes. Strengths: The first thing that I appreciated about this book is it’s seeming affinity with Mr. Edwards. Murray writes with a great respect and appreciation of this noble man. Murray also seems to possess some wonderful insight into the character and nature of Edwards that helps one to see Edwards as a living, breathing, red-blooded human being. This book also is a very easy read. It has certainly been painstakingly researched, yet it is not stuffy, stodgy, or void of “spirit.” Both the story and the character live and it is easy to befriend Edwards as Murray moves through the various stages of his life. A third strength comes from the dustcover itself. The dustcover reads, “Murray believes that Edwards cannot be understood apart from his faith. Only when seen first and foremost as a Christian does his life and writings make sense.” Murray does allow Edwards to speak for himself without forcing a personal bias or interpretation upon him. Murray sums up his book with what seems to be three definitive statements: “The propensity of Edwards’ Works to regain attention and to re-assert their message is an historical fact worthy of notice. More than once, as we have seen, they have been forgotten and judged obsolete only to re-appear afresh with new power and significance. “The key to understanding Jonathan Edwards is that he was a man who put faithfulness to the Word of God before every other consideration. At critical points in his life, most notably in not deferring to the ‘advice’ of Israel Williams in 1734, and again in the communion controversy of 1749-50, he put the truth first.” “The ministry of Jonathan Edwards is, very clearly, not yet concluded. He is being read today as he has not bee read for over a century and in more countries than ever before."

I highly recommend this book. It will be a beneficial addition to any serious library. I can not find any criticisms to add to this review. I am sure some one will find at least one, but I was well pleased with the material, the manner in which it was presented, and the mission accomplished by that of Ian Murray.

Ian Murray is a prolific writer, has been in Christian ministry since 1955, served as an assistant to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Murray is the co-founder of the Banner of Truth Trust. He has served at Westminster Chapel, Grove Chapel, and St Giles Presbyterian Church.

Weaned from the World

On Thursday, February 21, 1723 Jonathan Edwards records the following entry in his diary:

“I perceive that I never yet have adequately know what was meant by being weaned from the world, by not laying up treasure on earth, but in heaven, by not having our portion in this life, by making the concerns of another life our whole business, by taking God as our whole portion. I find my heart in great part yet adheres to the earth. O that I might be quite separated from thence.” Weaned from the world; what a concept to take up the mind of a young man as he seeks a relationship with his God. It causes me to stop and consider whether I have been or even at the very least, am I being weaned from this world? Matthew 6:20 says: “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (ESV) 1 John 2:15 says: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (ESV) When I stop being concerned about accumulating items promoted by this world for my satisfaction, and I become concerned about doing that which enables me to “lay up” or store up treasure in heaven, then I enter into the process of being weaned from this world in order to live for the next world. The only way to stop desiring the things of this world is to stop loving this world. The only way that I can stop loving this world is to start loving the world to come more. When God becomes my greatest treasure, or as Edwards puts it, “my whole portion”, then and only then, can I maintain that I am being weaned from the distractions that pull at my heart. It is my prayer that God will always be my greatest treasure! I too, as Edwards pray that I might be quite separated from this world and all that it offers.

What do you think?

Sobering Message of Warning

In Amos 3, we are made privy to a very strong and stern warning of impending judgment on the chosen people of God. Not only are we made aware of this coming judgment we are told by God in a most point blank and matter of fact manner why the chosen people of God are being judged. “Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: ‘You only have I know of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:1 ESV) It was no surprise to read of the judgment on the nations that surrounded Israel. More than likely the Israelites shook their heads in agreement or made the normal signs and sounds for utter approval. I can hear them now, ‘yes, give it to them, or it’s about time, or finally, they had it coming for a long time.’ Oh, but how would the mood change and how quickly when Amos began what we know as chapter three and verse one? When you read verse one you get the idea that they are being punished because they are God’s chosen people. Listen, “You only have I chosen... therefore I will punish you...” It seems that being chosen by God gives a higher level of both expectation and obligation for holiness. It appears that because God has selected them as His own people and because of His dealings with them they would be judged more severely for their sin than even those pagan nations around them. This makes me think of my own election. I have been chosen by God, in Christ, prior to the creation of what we know as this universe. God has dealt with me graciously and mercifully. He has as we all know and are more than aware of, given me what I don’t deserve – a full pardon and inheritance in Christ and has not given to me what I do deserve – eternal separation and painful punishment. The lesson for me is that being one of the elect, one of God’s chosen (Eph 1:3-14), I have a greater responsibility and obligation concerning my election. I must forsake the sins of my youth, I must seek holiness (Hebrews 12:14) and I must expect God to chastise me, even severely, for failing in my obligation. I realize that though I have been delivered from both the penalty and power of sin, I have not yet been delivered from the presence of sin.

Therefore, sin I will. Thank God he has provided a remedy; I may confess my sin seeking full pardon, forgiveness, and release. Thank God I may confess my sin and forsake it and stave off the chastisement of God. So, what do I learn from this? What do I “journal” as my application? What do I wish to pass on to you today? I am glad you asked, for there are three things I have learned: --God’s people, whether they be Israel or the elect of this age can not sin without chastisement

--God’s people have a higher standard of expectation and obligation to holiness than is expected from those who do not know him. -- God’s people must live up to their responsibility of holiness and righteousness. Does this remind you of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:48? “...everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” (ESV)

What do you think?

Thomas Watson: Regarding riches and worldly wealth

The bee may suck a little honey from the leaf, but put it in a barrel of honey and it dies.

Christians must stave of the world so that it does not get into their heart (Psalm 62:10).

Water is useful to the ship and helps it to sail better to the haven, but let the water get into the ship, if it is not pumped out, it drowns the ship. So riches are useful and convenient for our passage. We sail more comfortably with them through the troubles of this world; but if the water gets into the ship, if love of riches gets into the heart, then we are drowned by them

(1 Timothy 6:9).

- The Puritan Pulpit - Thomas Watson

Why Four Gospels? Part I

God has given to his church four separate gospels with the intention of revealing himself and the plan of redemption for those whom he calls sinners. The first question that should come to mind is, Why Four Gospels?

We will attempt to answer the question of Why Four Gospels? by looking at the following four areas:

Peculiarities of each gospel – each gospel has peculiarities unto itself

Purpose of each gospel – each gospel was written with a distinct purpose

Preferences of each gospel – each gospel includes only what the particular author believed was necessary to serve and suit his distinct purpose

Partisanship of each gospel – each gospel is independent of the others

It goes without saying that the Gospels have always been very precious documents to the church. They have been loved and reverenced with great care from the moment they were written and circulated in the early church. So, Let’s take just a minute and answer the question, What is a gospel? A gospel is a theological narrative about Jesus Christ; a gospel teaches its theology while recounting the events surrounding the live of Jesus Christ. A gospel is told from the perspective of an observer of the events, who then guides you and me through the actions and thoughts of those who occupy this history. There is a second question you might ask, How does a gospel make its point?

A gospel makes it point through dialogue, narratives, speeches, activities and actions of the subjects involved. The gospel of John concentrates on portraying Jesus – it reveals to us his life, his character, his person, his values, his mission and his ethics.

Harry Ironside wrote: “In beginning a study of any of the gospels it is a good thing to ask and try to answer the question, why are there four gospels and why do they seem to differ one from another? Our God surely could have inspired one of His servants to write a continuous record of what Jesus said and did. Men write books in that manner, but it did not please the Father to do this. Instead of that He has given us four distinct records…” [1]

Keep in mind...

1. No section of the bible has been studied more than these four gospels.

2. The peculiar design and the character of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are rarely understood. 3. The need to study each gospel in its specific context, setting, grammar, and design is imperative to get the proper and intended glimpse of Jesus Christ and His Father, whom He was sent to reveal.

4. When you read through the four gospels you find very quickly that none of them provide a complete biography of the life and ministry of Jesus.

So, we come back to the question, Why four gospels? We will try and answer that question by providing for distinct reasons. This morning we will only look at the first reason. The first reason is seen by examining their Distinctive Peculiarities. All four gospels have several distinctive peculiarities. Let’s look at the first peculiarity and that is Their Design Their design is to provide us with pertinent details about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. I think the key is pertinent, not every detail. Jesus himself states that he came to reveal the Father to those who had eyes to see and ears to hear. Matt 11:27 – “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and know one knows the Son except the Father, and none one knows the Father except the Son and anyone whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” John 17:25-26 – “O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these (apostles) know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” So, what is their design? It is to reveal the Father who up until now had been really hidden behind, first, his glory, and secondly behind clouds, fire, smoke, fear, or mystery. God was a mystery to the Jews in the Old Testament. Now we are seeing God revealed in and by Jesus Christ. We can’t miss that when we read and study the gospels. We need to see more of and learn more of God the Father each time we read the gospels. Or we miss their design. It isn’t just the Christmas story, or parables, or miracles, or an encounter with an immoral woman at Jacob’s well. Each passage in the gospels is designed to reveal to us more and more of the character and the nature of the Father. So, when you read the gospels, and as we study John, look prayerfully and carefully for the character and nature of God. Never come to a passage in the gospels without learning more about God, about who he is, and what he has chosen to reveal to us through Christ. So, we see the first distinctive peculiarity of the four gospels by examining their design. The second distinctive peculiarity of the four gospels is Their Deficiency As I have already alluded to, none of the four gospels form a complete collective biography of the life of Jesus Christ. When we look at the accounts of Jesus ministry we soon discover that even these accounts are bits and pieces. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John select portions of Jesus teaching and they describe only a few of his miracles. Even John makes this clear when he writes, “Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:25 ESV)

Wouldn’t you like to know more about Jesus Christ?

Well, if the gospels are not complete biographies, what are they? First of all, they are four different accounts fully inspired by God We can have complete and absolute confidence in these four books. They are inspired by the HS and therefore are flawless, without error, they are true and they are perfect. Secondly, they are four different accounts, complete within themselves, written with distinctive design that by God’s choosing are deficient only in the fact that they are limited in what they record. What each author chose to include and what they chose to exclude is based upon their own distinct design and purpose for writing. What ever Matthew included, or John did not include was chosen because it was strictly relevant and pertinent to their peculiar theme or subject. Each one wrote exactly what supported, illustrated, or completed their design. Everything else was left out. This was why each writer was very selective in his material. Each writer selected material to help him accomplish his goal. Ernest Burton wrote: It must be remembered that it in accordance with the literary method of the first Christian century and of the adjacent periods to employ historical material into the form of an argument, or even stating anywhere in the course of the narrative what the facts were intended to prove. It was assumed that the reader or hearer would be shrewd enough to discover this for himself and this assumption was apparently amply justified.” [2] Thirdly, they are four different accounts with limitations that cause us to search all of Scripture to “fill in the blanks” We have to dig deep into various parts of the bible to fill in as much detail as we can. Otherwise it becomes easy to accuse the bible of having mistakes, errors, or discrepancies

To Be Continued....

[1] Harry A. Ironside, Addresses on the Gospel of John, (Loizeaux Brothers: Neptune, N.J.), p. 9

[2] Ernest DeWitt Burton, A Short Introduction to the Gospels, p.13

The Petri Dish called Family!

If there ever was a place specifically designed by God for the development of our spiritual life, that place would be called Family. God, in His wisdom designed the family unit or structure to be the Petri dish as the environment where the culture of Christian character can develop under the most intense circumstances. The Family is where we live in the same house and share most of everything in that house under the most strenuous and trying of conditions. In God’s infinite wisdom He places individuals with the most base, sinful, and depraved nature in a 24/7 developmental laboratory. No wonder things get so tragically out of hand and such dysfunction develops. Raising children can be difficult under the best of conditions. Bill Cosby once said; "You know the only people who are always sure about the proper way to raise children? Those who have never had any."

George Will wrote; “We are given children to test us and make us more spiritual.” I don’t know anything about Will’s spiritual persuasion or make-up, but I think he is on to something. Sometimes children can test us beyond our imagination. We certainly are not above making some serious mistakes as parents. Of course this is not God’s fault. He gives us the Bible as a guidebook and as an instruction manual. He gives to us the Holy Spirit (those who are believers) and He gives us everything that we need to live godly in Christ Jesus. It is amazing how the spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit are needed to maintain godly peace and order in a home. Thank God for the home and for family! Thank God that each day we need to turn to his guide book, depend on His indwelling Holy Spirit, and for the opportunities to use the fruit of His Spirit in various situations and circumstances in order to grow more Christlike in character as we are tested and tried by living together in the wonderful Petri dish called family. It is my prayer that the “cultures” developed in my Petri dish be an honor and glory to God and a joy and treasure to my family! The microscopic evaluation by our Heavenly Father and by the world around us will reveal what has been developed in my life.

What do you think?