Church Hunters -- Part 2

Last time, we looked at the commissioned church. Today, we are looking at the continuing church. So what is a continuing church? It is a church that is continuing in what Christ left us on earth to do. While the commission is the essence of our ministry, the continuing is the environment that God has called us to create in the church. Let's look at Acts 2:42-47--

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The church here continued in several different things here. And not only did they continue, they continued steadfastly. Steadfastly there means faithfully or regularly. They did not fail to make use of these practices and create a godly environment in the church I would like to point out six of these practices, and then show the result of those practices.

1. They continued in teaching -- "doctrine" (v. 42)

The early church was one that heard the words of the apostles. These men had heard directly from Jesus Christ Himself. They'd followed Him for three and a half years. And what they had been taught, they taught to the people. Look where we are today. We have the scriptures, from Genesis all the way to Revelation. We have the very Words of God at our fingertips. As such, our churches should be teaching the doctrines that are found within. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Is my church teaching doctrine that lines up with scripture?

2. Is my church continuing to teach in different settings and formats?

3. Is my church exalting the Bible as the authority for all doctrine, rather than the men who speak in the pulpit?

2. They continued in fellowship -- "fellowship (v. 42); with one accord (v. 46)"

The early church enjoyed each other's company. They were friends. They didn’t just walk in, sing a couple songs, pray, hear some teaching, and leave. They formed relationships with the other members of the congregation. They learned to love these people. Many people in churches today seem to hold to the "come, sit, stand, leave" philosophy of church attendance. But God wants us to continue in fellowshipping with one another, in forming relationships. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Is my church a friendly church?

2. Does the pastor encourage us to fellowship with one another?

3. Do we have opportunities for fellowship (meals, small groups, etc.)?

3. They continued in discipleship -- "breaking bread" (vv. 42, 46)

This practice is a mix of the previous two-- teaching in principle, fellowship in practice. When the early church created relationships, they then were able to teach others more closely. They were breaking bread together, eating meals with smaller groups of people.  This is the practice. The principle comes in the word breaking. When they would break the bread, they would pass it around to all who were at the table. They would spread the bread around so that all could have some, and in the process also spread knowledge around. Where do this principle and this practice leave the church today? In practice, our relationships should deepen to the point where we can implement the principle of discipleship in our everyday living. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Does the church provide ample opportunity for me to learn from other members?

2. Does the church provide ample opportunity for me to teach other members?

3. Is discipleship encouraged along with outreach?

4. They continued in prayers -- "in prayers" (v. 42)

The early church knew the power that prayer had. The apostles had seen The power of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ and had learned how to pray from Him. These prayers filled the church with power. They prayed for God to work in their church, in the lives of other church members, and in their own personal lives. What should this mean for us in our churches? We should be using prayer to fill our church as a whole and the people within the church with power. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Does my church encourage us to pray for one another by providing prayer requests and praises in the service and/or on paper?

2. Does my church provide opportunities to pray for one another?

5. They continued in giving -- "parted them to all men (v. 45); from house to house (v. 46)"

Giving is one of the hardest things to do. As people, we naturally desire for our own welfare to grow through receiving. But here in Acts, the church was naturally giving. Not only did they give, but they gave sacrificially. They would sell off a piece of property and give all the proceeds to the church. The church could then spread that money to people who were in need. As a church now, we should be giving for several things that are even mentioned in the Bible. We should be giving 1) to support the local church ministry and the pastor (I Tim. 5:17-18), 2) to provide for the needs of others (Acts 2:45), and 3) to support the work of missionaries (II Cor. 8:1-5). 

QUESTIONS:

1. Am I going to have an opportunity to give to support the church and the pastor?

2. Am I going to have an opportunity to give to support others who are in the church and in the community?

3. Am I going to have an opportunity to give to support missionaries around the world?

6. They continued in worship -- "Praising God" (v. 47)

Worship is the culmination of all the above practices. Worship is not just a style of music, but rather an environment, a culture, and a lifestyle that glorifies God. When the early church did all of the above, they also continued in worshipping God. God was honored. God was glorified.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do the actions of this church exemplify worship of God?

2. Is the church's atmosphere and environment one that places a priority on worship?

3. Am I able to glorify God in my actions in this ministry?

Now, what was the result of this atmosphere? What did God do for this church? Look at the end of verse 47: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." When this church created an environment surrounded around God-honoring practices, God brought in the souls who would be saved and would join the church. The church grew as a result of honoring God. They grew in numbers and in spiritual matters. This church is a great example for us to follow. 

1. Photo credits: www.godtube.com/watch/?v=YKKWGPNX

Church Hunters -- Part 1

In the last few weeks, I've reached out to people at my college asking them what they would like to learn about from the Bible. One of the topics requested was "Characteristics to look for when choosing a church." In response to this, I have written a 4 part series from the Bible about general characteristics that each Christian should look for in choosing a church. Often one may just attend a church for a few weeks, decide if we like it, and either stay or move on. Growing up as a pastor's grandkid I saw this cycle happen all the time. But what does the Bible say about where we attend church? The 4 characteristics we will be looking at are 1) The Commissioned Church (Acts 1:8), 2) The Continuing Church (Acts 2:42-47), 3) The Convinced Church (Acts 4), and 4) The Called Pastor (I Timothy 3).

What is the commissioned church? It is the church that follows the command of Christ in Acts 1:8:

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The church that follows this commission is one that the Christian should desire to attend. This church is a church that has received power from God and the Holy Ghost, meaning that they are indeed a Bible-believing, saved congregation. The members have accepted Christ's sacrifice and have the Holy Ghost dwelling inside them. That is a basic qualification.

But this church is not only one that is saved, but it also is witnessing--it is indeed following the commission of Christ. This commission is to 4 different groups of people.

1. The commission is to the community. "In Jerusalem"

Jerusalem was the city where the disciples were located. They were first to go to the people right where they were located. This is a basic mission for any church. If a church is not going to attempt to reach their local community, it is not going to grow, let alone thrive in the community.

QUESTIONS:

1. How is this church reaching out to the local community?

2. What is this church's reputation with the community?

2. The commission is to the surrounding area. "In all Judaea"

Judaea was the province that Jerusalem was located in. For we who are in the states, that would be like our state. For my home, it is Pennsylvania. For my school, it is Florida. This Judaea should be reached by the church. The local church should have fellowship with and a good reputation with other churches in their area. 

QUESTIONS:

1. Do this church have fellowship with other local, like-minded churches?

2. Do this church have a good reputation with other local, like-minded churches?

3.  The commission is to the outcasts. "In Samaria"

Regionally, Samaria could be considered the surrounding area to Judaea and Jerusalem. It's only one region over. But the Samaritans were also the outcasts of the land of Palestine in this time period. They were half-breeds, mixed Jews and Assyrians. They worshipped differently and in a different place than their half-brothers. These two countries did not get along. But Jesus went to them. He commanded His disciples to go to them. Jesus went to all the outcasts of society--the sinners, the tax collectors, the harlots, the lepers.

QUESTIONS:

1. Is this church willing to go to the outcasts of society?

2. When this church encounters outcasts, does it treat them with kindness?

4. The commission is to the world. "The uttermost part of the earth"

This is fairly simple. The same application that applied then applies today--everyone everywhere deserves to hear about Christ. Other verses in scripture say "all the world," "all nations," and "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." 

QUESTIONS:

1. What is this church's attitude toward global missions?

2. Are we encouraged to give more to missions?

3. Are we encouraged to potentially go as missionaries, on short-term, long-term, or lifetime missions trips?

4. Are we supporting as many missionaries as we possibly can?

I must clarify before we move forward in this series: negative answers to one or two of the above questions do not necessarily mean that God does not want you in that church. It may be that the desire and vision is there, but the means are not. What it does mean is that these should be questions to take up with your pastor and volunteer to lead in answering those questions in the church if God is leading you to do so.

The church being commissioned--being willing to go into the community, to the surrounding area, to the outcasts, and to the world--is a must have for every Christian. The commission is the essence of what God has left us here on earth to do. If our church is not following this commission, where does that leave us as an individual? I must also issue this encouragement: do what you can to fulfill the commission in your own life. When you are doing so, God will lead you in finding a church that is fulfilling the commission as well.

1. Photo credits: www.godtube.com/watch/?v=YKKWGPNX

2. Video credits: https://www.facebook.com/johnbcrist/videos/1026079677527111/

Book Review: The Treasure Principle

As we live our lives, we are often told "whoever dies with the most toys wins." This world is constantly telling us to acquire more possessions. But what did Jesus tell us to do? In The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn explains this very principle which he says "unlocks the secret to joyful giving."

Alcorn bases this principle on two passages in Matthew: Matthew 13:44, from the Kingdom Parables, and Matthew 6:19-21, from the Sermon on the Mount.

Matthew 13:44 -- "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."

Matthew 6:19-21 -- "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

This man in Matthew 13 sold all that he had- got rid of everything to obtain a treasure that is beyond any measure. Mr. Alcorn sees this story and advocates that we give to others, and by doing so store up our treasures in Heaven.

In order to unlock this secret of joyful giving, Alcorn lists 6 keys.

1. God owns everything. I am His money manager (ch. 3).
2. My heart always goes where I put God's money (ch. 4).
3. Heaven and the future New Earth, not this fallen earth, is my home (ch. 5).
4. I should not live for the dot [life on earth], but for the line [eternity in Heaven] (ch. 5).
5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism (ch. 5).
6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving (ch. 6).

This entire book is based on the fact that we must give. It's commanded by God. One excellent motivation Alcorn uses for giving is the example of generous unbelievers, such as Stephen King, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates. If these who are unsaved are giving away most of their wealth, should not we who have accepted Christ do the same?

As Alcorn wrote this book in 2000, he wrote it under the assumption that Jesus is referring to material treasures in Matthew 6. But as some rebuffed him on this, he updated the book with a new chapter to defend this view here in 2017. He finds 3 parallel passages that defend the giving of material possessions on earth to be equal with storing treasures in heaven.

Luke 12:31-34 -- "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Mark 10:21 -- "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."

I Timothy 6:18-19 -- "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

These passages do advocate Christ's command to give here on earth, and echo that God will reward us for what we do here, including our giving. Now some may say this is an ungodly motivation--that desiring treasures in Heaven is a selfish motivation. But Alcorn gives this response: "If it were wrong to want them, Christ wouldn't offer rewards as motivation. Rewards are God's idea, not ours (43)."

Alcorn quotes C.T. Studd -- "Only one life, t'will soon be past; but only what's done for Christ will last (84)." He echoes this sentiment while encouraging others to give. We have only one life. We may have some possessions only once. Will we give to others while we have the chance? This book has encouraged me to do more of that. I hope it will for you too. 

To order either a hardcover or ebook copy of this book, please go to this link:
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/1674/the-treasure-principle-by-randy-alcorn/#details

Bibliography:

Alcorn, Randy. The Treasure Principle. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah, 2017.

FTC Disclosure:

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Blogging for Books book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Greater Love Hath No Man Than This...

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Jesus said that a man could make no greater sacrifice of love in his life than to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). On the evening of September 26, 2007, firefighter Michael D. Reagan Jr. did just that when he answered call #286 at the Sharon Hill Fire Company in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. Joining his volunteer company and three other fire stations, Michael helped fight a blazing garage fire and ended up being severely injured in the blaze. Three days later on September 29, at the tender age of 19, Michael Reagan died from the injuries that he sustained. 

Saving Beginnings

When Michael was growing up, he and his family came to church. He learned to love Jesus Christ and His Word and while attending church accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. His friends all knew that he was different. They called him "Bible boy." While this was meant as an insult, it did not change him or his passion for serving Jesus and others. This passion led him to multiple jobs that involved helping and, quite frankly, saving others. In a statement submitted by his parents, they listed some of these jobs: 

"Michael was a nineteen-year-old [volunteer] fireman for the Sharon Hill Fire Company and the Holmes Fire Company. He was attending college‚ where he was studying law enforcement. He worked at the police station as a turnkey‚ watching the prisoners in their cells. He was also a lifeguard many summers at the pool."(1)

No matter what he did, Mike Reagan was concerned with saving lives. Whether being a lifeguard at the local pool, volunteering for two different fire departments, or simply sharing his faith, he wanted to see people saved. He carried this mentality with him throughout his whole life. 

Saving Endings 

Michael's life ended in tragedy, but his influence did not. In the largest event in the Sharon Hill Fire Company's history, with over 1,000 people in attendance and more watching via tv and the internet, his fellow firemen marched through the streets with his casket- hailing him as a fallen hero. All of the people who attended his funeral that day heard the message that Michael had heard as a child. The message that gave him the confidence to charge into a burning building. The message that his God had saved him. The message that meant no matter what fate his life met here on earth, the fate of his soul was eternal life.

As Pastor John Cartwright preached the message that day, I am sure that there were those in attendance who were asking themselves, why? Why would this young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him be taken at such a young age? The answer is not a simple one. Here on earth, we may never know why. God has plans that we will never understand in this life. What I do understand is this: God's plan for the lives of all who attended his funeral was for them to hear the truth of the Bible. How God sent his only Son into the world to live a perfect life and then, just as Michael gave his life to save the lives of the family who owned the property and his fellow firemen, Jesus died on the cross for their wrongdoings- to save their lives. 

It has been 10 years since the event (known simply as Call #286) that took Michael Reagan's life. But the message that he set forth still applies for us today. Michael D. Reagan Jr. gave his life in service to his community, while still serving his God. Jesus Christ was killed by His own country while proclaiming to them that he IS God. This voice still proclaims- Jesus Christ is God! What will you take from His sacrifice? Will you remember Him as the hero who gave His life to save yours? Will you allow Him to do that today? 

If you would like to, it's very simple. First, you must admit that you have done wrong-  that your life is one of burning down destruction like the garage that was ablaze that night. Because of our sins, our lives are headed for that end. We deserve to go to a real place of fire and torment called Hell. God does not want to send us there, but His perfect righteousness cannot be associated with our sin (Romans 3:10, Romans 6:23). 

Second, you must believe that Jesus Christ to save your life (Romans 5:8). When He came to this earth, it was like He was the one rushing into the burning building to grab you out of it. He gave up everything He had in Heaven because God "made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (I Cor. 5:21)."

Thirdly, you must call on Him and ask Him to save you. The Bible says, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9)." Jesus came to this earth, he ran into the burning building where you were, or maybe still are perishing to save your soul. Will you take the hand that He is offering to you and let Him lead you out into life? He loved you enough to die for you. Will you love Him enough to now live for Him?

JOHN 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

(1) https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/michael-d-reagan-jr/

Book Review: 100 Names of God Daily Devotional

PICTURE OBTAINED FROM ROSE PUBLISHING

Beginning this year, I am going to review different Christian books that I come across. I would like to begin with this daily devotional by Christopher Hudson on 100 names of God that we see in the Bible.

This devotional book, while in no-wise an exhaustive commentary on the names for God used in the Hebrew and Greek languages, provides an excellent look at 100 different names that we see for God, many of which are based in 2 of the initial words for God that we see in scripture: El, meaning God, and Jehovah (Yahweh), meaning LORD.

I enjoyed looking at each day and seeing how a different aspect of God's character was recognized through His names. So often, our perspective of God can become dry if we only see Him in a couple of ways throughout the stories of Scripture. But God, with all of His attributes cannot be described in just one way. As said by the author in his introduction, "It takes more than one name to do justice to someone who is larger than life. And if that’s true with regard to exceptional athletes and beloved politicians, how much more is it true of God? (Hudson, 4)" This is why I started the Portrait of Christ Bible study on my blog. Seeing who God is in a deeper sense brings a deeper appreciation for all that He has done for us.

Following each daily devotional reading, there is a question of application which makes us really think about our relationship with God in accordance with the character trait mentioned in the lesson. A final prayer followed by other readings about the name is included, allowing for even more study on the character of God. He also includes a weekly guide for studying more general characteristics through a week and getting specifics each day (pp. 205-207)

There are only 2 negative things that I would have to say about this book, and they, I believe, are more minor in nature. First, the art included can sometimes be distracting to the reader, as he can find himself looking at the pictures rather than focusing on the character of the God he is reading about. Secondly, he uses a less-reliable translation of the Bible, but he counters this by using the names of God from the original language, and including an index on those names (pp. 198-204). As I mentioned, these are merely minor negative characteristics in this book.

The 100 Names of God Daily Devotional is an excellent resource for the Christian who wishes to know more about His God on a daily basis. The simple nature of this text allows even some who may be young in their faith to both read and understand it, yet deep enough that the seasoned Christian may learn something new almost every day.

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Hudson, Christopher D. 100 Names of God Daily Devotional. Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, Inc., 2015.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Rose Reviewer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The National Anthem, Bathrooms, and Disney: Why I Believe What I Do

PICTURE OBTAINED: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_United_States

Many of you read my Facebook post on Sunday, September 24, 2017. This was when the movement for the NFL players to protest the National Anthem came to one of its strongest weekends, right after President Trump called out the NFL teams and owners for keeping players who protested on their teams. Here is what I wrote that afternoon as I sat watching the Philadelphia Eagles play the New York Giants:

Some may disagree with me on this, but here is where I stand: I am not going to overly politicize the game that I love. I will always continue to stand for my national anthem of my country, and I will do so out of respect for the flag and the men and women who died to protect my right to stand.

BUT

Those same men and women died to protect every right we have, which include the rights of free speech and free assembly, ultimately the inferring of the right of a peaceful protest. I will not agree with those who kneel. But they are as much in their constitutional rights as those who I religiously disagree with. Our rights as men and women in this country are greatly varied. If we condemn the men who kneel here, are we any better than the atheist who would condemn us for our religious beliefs in court? Let us look to Matthew 7:1 for a principle here: "Judge not lest ye be judged." This verse encourages us to first look within before judging the actions of another. So let me ask you this: do we perfectly honor the men and women who have fought for our rights? Do we, by condemning people who are 100% within their rights show forth the example of Christ? Let us not be guilty of this grave mistake. My eyes will continue to be on the NFL when I can because I enjoy the sport and will continue to believe in and support the rights that all Americans possess.

I still stand by exactly what I wrote that day. But as I write today, my purpose is different. I would like to offer some clarification as to why I stand where I stand. 

PICTURE OBTAINED: https://www.charismanews.com/us/64114-target-ceo-admits-bathroom-policy-announcement-was-huge-mistake

Last year, I found myself between a rock and a hard place. I was working at Target, caught up in the middle of the transgender bathroom decisions that were being made. Christians were boycotting Target and encouraging others to do the same. I was advised by some to leave the job because of it and advised by others to not worry about that and to stay. I prayed over this decision for weeks before finally coming to the conclusion to stay on as a Target team member. Did I agree with what Target did? No. Did I support what they did? No. But could I live as a Christian within the Target community and honor and glorify God? Yes. I believe that God was able to use my testimony at Target as an influence on the lives of others, whether I will know that ever or not remains to be seen in His time. 

PICTURE OBTAINED: http://www.refinery29.com/2017/03/145881/beauty-and-the-beast-gay-scene-lefou-gaston-what-happens

This past year we also saw the influence of the homosexual community on the world of entertainment. Disney was said to be releasing a homosexual character into a role in their live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast. As Christians flooded social media with posts about boycotting Disney, I thought to myself, should we really be surprised at this? This is Disney! They have never once expressed a Christian testimony in their movies or corporate dealings. But did Christians boycott Disney when John and Michael smoked a pipe in Neverland, when Jasmine and Ariel dressed immodestly in their respective movies, or through any of the other messages that Disney proposed that were blatantly against the Scriptures? No. 

I Corinthians 2:14 reads, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Here we stand as Christians. Now we expect a certain standard when it comes to the National Anthem, bathrooms, and what has been wholesome entertainment for years in Disney. But should it surprise us when the natural man--the man who has not received the Spirit of God--doesn't receive the teachings of God's Word? That the men who live such lavish, wasteful, and to be quite honest sinful lifestyles will not respect the flag? That a corporation that has not honored God in the past would choose to not honor His order of one gender for life? That a company which has been openly against Christ in the past would choose to defy Him again by creating a character who is openly against His design for sexual boundaries?

What I am trying to say here is that we are living in a sin-cursed world. A world that views what the Word of God says as foolishness. They do not honor its precepts, they scoff at its teachings, and mock those who would desire to follow them. Yet how did Christ respond when they did all that to Him?

Did He not say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"? 
Did He not write in the dirt while the religious leaders brought before Him a woman caught in adultery and then set her free to sin no more? 
Did He not go into the home of Zacchaeus, a vile publican and show Him the love of God? 
Did He not sit with publicans and sinners? 
Did He not save you?

I've grown up in a Christian home. I never experienced the worldliness that some who have come to Christ from a different background have. But I've seen it. And as I've seen it, I've longed for it to be cut off from this earth forever. I've desired for Christ to take me home to never have to hear one more filthy word or know of one more despicable act. But alas, He yet tarries. So now I--we as Christians must live in this world--yet somehow be not of it. We must somehow show the love of Christ to sinners without being tainted by their sin. So what do I encourage? Rather than disrespecting the man who kneels for the National Anthem, let us kneel in prayer for Him at night after the games are all over. Rather than leaving a company with no Christian witness let us take the Gospel into corporate chains, stores, and restaurants around the world. Rather than being surprised by an entertainment company's sinful decisions, let us teach future generations about God's design and show them that we can show Christ's love to those same people who would ignore His Word now. 

PICTURE OBTAINED: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2481662/posts

I am calling for us to look inside our own hearts and lives to see if we be in need of transforming to the image of Christ. I am calling for God to be honored in our hearts and lives so that those who would call what we do foolishness would see that what they have done in their lives has turned them into fools and that they would turn to the wisdom of the cross. 

Blog Schedule Changes

Due to the busy demands of the college schedule, I have decided that for the time being it is best for me to stay off of a set schedule of when I will be making blog posts. I still will be continuing the series "A Portrait of Christ," as well as sharing some song stories throughout the year, but most posts will be written as God leads me. I pray that this blog will continue to inspire and encourage for the good of the kingdom of Heaven.

The Cross and Christian Wisdom

Earlier this week, I listened to a sermon by Dr. David Platt. This sermon, "The Cross and Christian Wisdom" was both an encouragement and a challenge to me. In tonight's Refuel, I am posting the link to that sermon and notes from it. I hope that it encourages and challenges you as much as it did me. I would also encourage you to look into this entire series: "The Cross and Christian Community," as Dr. Platt and the other pastors at his church look at I & II Corinthians from the point of view of seeing the cross and what Christians response in various areas of their life should be because of the cross.

http://www.radical.net/resources/sermons/the-cross-and-christian-wisdom

Dr. Platt's outline:

“THE CROSS AND CHRISTIAN WISDOM”

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Two Foundational Truths...

• The cross of Christ is the pinnacle of wisdom: God purposed to glorify Himself by saving undeserving sinners through the sacrifice of His one and only Son.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s predetermined affection for sinners.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s past substitution for sinners.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s present execution of sinners
• Wisdom is not found in devotion to power, prestige, position, possessions, pleasures, and prosperity. 
• Wisdom is found in death to pride.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s future glorification of sinners.
• Such wisdom is not invented or discovered by man; such wisdom is graciously revealed by God.
• Only by the mercy of God…
• Behold the choice of God the Father.
• Behold the crucifixion of God the Son.
• Behold the call of God the Spirit.
• Unquestionably, man is morally accountable.
• Ultimately, God is sovereignly gracious.
• We have the mind of Christ.
• Revealed by the Spirit…
• Through the Word…
• To our hearts.

Four Inevitable Exhortations...

• Let’s be desperate for the Spirit in order that we might know God’s glory.
• Only the Spirit of God knows the fullness of the glory of God.
• If we want to know God, then we need the Spirit to reveal Him to us.
• Therefore, people who are desperate to know God will be desperate for His Spirit.
• If we are not desperate for His Spirit, it is a sure indicator that we have grown content with knowing little about God.
• When we are desperate for His Spirit, we will grow to know God with the very perspective of Christ.
• Let’s seek discernment from the Spirit as we trust God’s generosity.
• The limited wisdom of man…
• We lack knowledge, perspective, and experience.
• The limitless wisdom of God…
• He has perfect knowledge, eternal perspective, and infinite experience.
• Let’s live different by the Spirit as we reflect God’s goodness.
• Worldly wisdom results in selfish living.
• Godly wisdom results in selfless love.
• Let’s go with dependence on the Spirit as we proclaim God’s gospel.
• The wasted life keeps the message of Christ crucified hidden…
• For fear of rejection.
• In neglect of the lost.
• The wise life makes the message of Christ crucified known…
• With confidence in reception.
• No matter what it costs.

By David Platt. © David Platt & Radical.

Website: Radical.net

Song of Solomon: Our Loving Bridegroom

The forbidden book. Intimacy 101. So many names given to the book of Song of Solomon intended to "help" us avoid it, yet we often forget that it was put into the Bible for a reason. God had a purpose in including Solomon's "Song of Songs," as it is sometimes titled, in the Biblical canon. So where can we find Him and His Son here? As the loving bridegroom. 

Song of Solomon is really a collection of songs and choruses strung together, talking mostly about love, romance, marriage, and other "mushy" things. But it is truly beautiful in its language. Song of Solomon 6:3 says, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine:" While this reference is between Solomon and the Shulamite woman, it can go so much deeper than that.

The Bible often refers to the marriage relationship as a parallel between Christ and the church. Paul admonishes husbands to love their wives just like "Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" The book of Revelation refers to a coming banquet with the church and Jesus as the marriage supper of the Lamb. But perhaps no story of a bridegroom is more poignant than the parable told by the heavenly Bridegroom Himself in Matthew 25.

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

When Jesus told this parable, He was in the middle of the Olivet Discourse. In this discourse, He is describing the events to come in the future. He compared His coming to the coming of the bridegroom to a wedding, where He is preparing to meet His bride. At the site, there are 10 virgins, attendants for the bridegroom and the bride as He prepares. Here, 5 are ready to meet the bridegroom with their candles full of wax and 5 are not. As the 5 wise who have prepared meet the bridegroom, the 5 foolish desperately try to prepare themselves after the announcement of the bridegroom.

But it is too late.

These 5 who professed to be attendants of the bridegroom and carriers of light for Him are not prepared for when He comes. They have no light in their candles to show Him or to help keep light while they attend to Him. He wants them at the marriage supper, but because they were not prepared, He is not able to have them there. 

Let's think about what's happening here: this bridegroom is about to marry his bride, his love. He wants her to have as many people there as possible. He wants to be able to say, you are welcome to the wedding. But when these are not prepared, they are not able to come. This is a call to all of us in the church to be prepared. Verse 13 there says, "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." The bridegroom is coming. Will we be ready to meet Him?

EVENT COMING UP: See You At the Pole

Coming up on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 is this year's See You At the Pole Rally. SYATP has been an event since 1990, when ten students decided that they were going to pray on their school property within the laws of our country. Since then, it has grown into a national event, with millions of students from all across the country participating in this event of prayer on the fourth Wednesday of September, right in the middle of the Global Week of Student Prayer. It starts at 7:00 AM whatever your local time may be.

This year's theme is "Fix Our Eyes" with the theme verse being Hebrews 12:2-- "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." By looking unto Jesus and "fixing our eyes" on Him, we are taking a stand that many in our country will not take today. 

I want to encourage everyone to get involved with this event and this special week. This event is a statement that teenagers and kids alike can make by saying that we still believe in prayer. That we still believe with God on our side, nothing is impossible.

For more information on this event, check out their website at http://syatp.com/. They have a large number of resources there, including a store with clothing items and posters, and free documents, pictures, and videos that you can download to help set up and promote the event.

Let's fix our eyes on Christ this year as we pray for our classmates, our teachers, our schools, our government officials, and our country!!