I just came across some helpful insight regarding "reading genealogies in Scripture." Often times when I get to these sections (ex: Genesis 5, Matthew 1), I find myself thinking, "Why do I need to read this? Why is this in the Bible? How does this family tree have any relevance to me?" Millard Erickson in Christian Theology (p. 133) offers some helpful insight. He writes...
It is common to observe (correctly) that very few Christians turn to the genealogies in Scripture for their personal devotions. Yet even these portions must have some significance. We must ask "What are the underlying truths?" Several possibilities come to mind:
1. All of us have a human heritage from which we derive much of what we are
2. We have all, through the long process of descent, received our life from God
3. God is at work providentially in human history, a fact of which we will be acutely aware if we study that history and God's dealings with humans
These truths have meaning for our situations today.
Next time you read a genealogy in Scripture, I hope these insights help!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The Triune God Fights for You
I visited The Rooted Church this morning down in Fort Worth. The Rooted was recently planted by CityView which was planted by The Village a few years ago. Church multiplication is a glorious thing!
Anyway...I really needed to hear the sermon that was preached from Romans 8:1-4. The big idea was that The Triune God fights for you--for your holiness. For those who are in Christ, there is:
v1. No Condemnation - Justification - God's declaration - God sent Jesus to fight for my holiness on the cross
v2. No Bondage - Sanctification - Our transformation - God sent the Spirit to fight for my holiness daily
The truth is that the most powerful power in the universe is at work in those who are in Christ (Eph 1:19). Believers can therefore live in the assurance that God will fight for us until our final glorification (Rom 8:30)! We must remember that (according to Rom 8:3) neither our flesh (human will power) nor the law (systems of religion) can save us. God alone saves. God alone sanctifies. After all, this is the will of God: our sanctification (1 Thess 4:3). This is why God sent His Son to die in our place for our sins, this is why God has sent His Spirit to dwell in our hearts--that we be sanctified through and through.
This humbled me greatly: If you're not pursuing holiness you're spitting on the cross of Christ, you're mocking the glory of God. If you're a believer, this must be the fight of your life. God is fighting for us. Let's join Him in the effort for His glory and our joy!
NOTE: I'd encourage you occasionally to visit other gospel-centered churches (check out some of the Acts29 churches in your area). Sometimes the Lord uses different speakers (who say familiar things in slightly different ways) to convict and challenge. This was the case today. Thank you Lord!
Anyway...I really needed to hear the sermon that was preached from Romans 8:1-4. The big idea was that The Triune God fights for you--for your holiness. For those who are in Christ, there is:
v1. No Condemnation - Justification - God's declaration - God sent Jesus to fight for my holiness on the cross
v2. No Bondage - Sanctification - Our transformation - God sent the Spirit to fight for my holiness daily
The truth is that the most powerful power in the universe is at work in those who are in Christ (Eph 1:19). Believers can therefore live in the assurance that God will fight for us until our final glorification (Rom 8:30)! We must remember that (according to Rom 8:3) neither our flesh (human will power) nor the law (systems of religion) can save us. God alone saves. God alone sanctifies. After all, this is the will of God: our sanctification (1 Thess 4:3). This is why God sent His Son to die in our place for our sins, this is why God has sent His Spirit to dwell in our hearts--that we be sanctified through and through.
This humbled me greatly: If you're not pursuing holiness you're spitting on the cross of Christ, you're mocking the glory of God. If you're a believer, this must be the fight of your life. God is fighting for us. Let's join Him in the effort for His glory and our joy!
NOTE: I'd encourage you occasionally to visit other gospel-centered churches (check out some of the Acts29 churches in your area). Sometimes the Lord uses different speakers (who say familiar things in slightly different ways) to convict and challenge. This was the case today. Thank you Lord!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Jesus is the answer to the problems of Romans 1
Though Jesus is not spoken of directly in Romans 1:18-25, the text points out the problems to which Jesus is the ultimate answer.
• Jesus is the one who bore the wrath of God in the place of sinful man so that we would never have to.
• Jesus, the Son of God, became ungodly so that ungodly rebels might be called children of God.
• Jesus, the Righteous One, because unrighteous so that unrighteous idolaters might become the righteousness of God.
• Jesus, the Wisdom of God, was called a fool so that foolish hearts might be transformed to know God intimately.
• Jesus, the Light of the World, was given over to darkness so that those who walked in darkness might be illuminated with great light.
• Jesus, the Truth incarnate, was suppressed beyond degree so that truth-suppressing sinners might know the Truth and be set free.
• Jesus, the sinless one, was dishonored beyond measure so that dark depraved men might live free from lust and impure pleasure.
O, what glorious exchanges result from Christ’s work on the cross!
• Though we had exchanged the truth of God for a lie, Christ exchanged His life to bring us back to God.
• Though we had worshiped and served creature rather than Creator, Christ became the most pitiable of creatures so that the Creator might bring forth abundant new creation through Him.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
• Jesus is the one who bore the wrath of God in the place of sinful man so that we would never have to.
• Jesus, the Son of God, became ungodly so that ungodly rebels might be called children of God.
• Jesus, the Righteous One, because unrighteous so that unrighteous idolaters might become the righteousness of God.
• Jesus, the Wisdom of God, was called a fool so that foolish hearts might be transformed to know God intimately.
• Jesus, the Light of the World, was given over to darkness so that those who walked in darkness might be illuminated with great light.
• Jesus, the Truth incarnate, was suppressed beyond degree so that truth-suppressing sinners might know the Truth and be set free.
• Jesus, the sinless one, was dishonored beyond measure so that dark depraved men might live free from lust and impure pleasure.
O, what glorious exchanges result from Christ’s work on the cross!
• Though we had exchanged the truth of God for a lie, Christ exchanged His life to bring us back to God.
• Though we had worshiped and served creature rather than Creator, Christ became the most pitiable of creatures so that the Creator might bring forth abundant new creation through Him.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Am I an Acts 15:26 man? (are you?)
Reading through the book of Acts, I’m struck by the caliber of men who served as the first leaders of the church. In Acts 15, in particular, we catch a glimpse of these men. At the Jerusalem Council, the church leaders come together to look into a matter of great dissension. Peter, Barnabas, Paul, and James arise to speak—tag teaming a display of extraordinary leadership.
Peter speaks first, offering a theological appeal—reminding the church leaders of how God saves: the Holy Spirit acts upon a person to hear the gospel and graciously enables a response in their heart through faith (15:7-11). Barnabas and Paul then speak, giving a testimonial appeal—evidencing how they’ve seen this salvation take place among the Gentiles (15:12). Up next is James, who concludes with a historical appeal—referencing Simeon and quoting the Prophets (15:13-18), rooting their discussion and decision in redemptive history. He then offers the solution (15:19-21) which seemed good to the Council (15:22).
The church then chooses leading men from among them—Judas and Silas—to accompany Paul and Barnabas in the delivery of this instructional letter to the church in Antioch (15:22). These men are described as “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:26). Oh, that I would be such a man! One who lives in complete allegiance to the gospel, risking my life for the sake of Christ. Oh, that the church would be filled with Acts 15:26 men.
Peter speaks first, offering a theological appeal—reminding the church leaders of how God saves: the Holy Spirit acts upon a person to hear the gospel and graciously enables a response in their heart through faith (15:7-11). Barnabas and Paul then speak, giving a testimonial appeal—evidencing how they’ve seen this salvation take place among the Gentiles (15:12). Up next is James, who concludes with a historical appeal—referencing Simeon and quoting the Prophets (15:13-18), rooting their discussion and decision in redemptive history. He then offers the solution (15:19-21) which seemed good to the Council (15:22).
The church then chooses leading men from among them—Judas and Silas—to accompany Paul and Barnabas in the delivery of this instructional letter to the church in Antioch (15:22). These men are described as “men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:26). Oh, that I would be such a man! One who lives in complete allegiance to the gospel, risking my life for the sake of Christ. Oh, that the church would be filled with Acts 15:26 men.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Gospel in One Little Letter
I love the Bible. I love that it is so much more than a religious rulebook or a list of moral principles to follow. The Bible, though 66 distinct books with various different stories, tells one overarching story—the story of redemption through Jesus Christ. Running through every single book in every single story on every single page are threads that connect to the One Great Story. The believer will be served well to look for The Story in all the stories.
Even in Paul’s short letter to Philemon, we catch a glimpse of Christ’s great work of redemption. In a letter meant to encourage reconciliation between two first century people—a slave (Onesimus) and his master (Philemon)—the work of Jesus Christ shines through. In this letter, Paul writes to Philemon, “But if [Onesimus] has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account” (1:18).
Is that not a glorious picture of the gospel? Is this not what Christ has said to God on our (on my!) behalf? Oh, how I can hear the Savior say, “Father, if [Bryan] has wronged you in any way [and oh, how he has!] or owes you anything [and oh, how he does!], charge that to my account.” How glorious! This is a phrase that I (the ransomed wrongdoer) will marvel in forever as I worship the One who paid the debt on my account!
Just as Paul (the mediator) offered to pay the debt that Onesimus owed Philemon, so too Jesus has offered (and has!!!) paid the ultimate debt that I owe to God. In one short phrase in one little letter to one slave owner regarding one slave, we catch a glimpse into The Great Story of ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. Jesus is Great Mediator. Jesus is the Great Debt Payer. Praise the One who paid my debt!
Even in Paul’s short letter to Philemon, we catch a glimpse of Christ’s great work of redemption. In a letter meant to encourage reconciliation between two first century people—a slave (Onesimus) and his master (Philemon)—the work of Jesus Christ shines through. In this letter, Paul writes to Philemon, “But if [Onesimus] has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account” (1:18).
Is that not a glorious picture of the gospel? Is this not what Christ has said to God on our (on my!) behalf? Oh, how I can hear the Savior say, “Father, if [Bryan] has wronged you in any way [and oh, how he has!] or owes you anything [and oh, how he does!], charge that to my account.” How glorious! This is a phrase that I (the ransomed wrongdoer) will marvel in forever as I worship the One who paid the debt on my account!
Just as Paul (the mediator) offered to pay the debt that Onesimus owed Philemon, so too Jesus has offered (and has!!!) paid the ultimate debt that I owe to God. In one short phrase in one little letter to one slave owner regarding one slave, we catch a glimpse into The Great Story of ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. Jesus is Great Mediator. Jesus is the Great Debt Payer. Praise the One who paid my debt!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Sabbath actually works!
It's amazing...the work/rest rhythm that God wired into creation (i.e. Sabbath) actually works--even for non-Christians!
Watch Stefan Sagmeister: The Power of Time Off
What would result if Christians began modeling for the world a God-entranced joy-abounding lifestyle of productive work and restoring rest? Oh, that we would repent of our workaholism (even of doing 'Christian' activities) and re-align ourselves with the way God created the universe to be--a consistent rhythm of work and rest.
God's command to "keep the Sabbath" is actually for our good! How foolish to disobey.
Watch Stefan Sagmeister: The Power of Time Off
What would result if Christians began modeling for the world a God-entranced joy-abounding lifestyle of productive work and restoring rest? Oh, that we would repent of our workaholism (even of doing 'Christian' activities) and re-align ourselves with the way God created the universe to be--a consistent rhythm of work and rest.
God's command to "keep the Sabbath" is actually for our good! How foolish to disobey.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Recent Thoughts
I haven't posted here for a while, so here are some thoughts I've posted on Facebook over the past few months.
The work of Christian leaders/pastors/ministers/clergy is not to rule over people and control their obedience, but rather to "work with them for their JOY" (2 Cor. 1:24). Pursue your joy! This is Christianity 101. Devastating consequences result when we get this wrong. God, after all, is not after your begrudging submission to Him. He wants your joy!
We speak a message of Reconciled Relationship to lonely people in a fragmented culture. This is good news.
What makes God’s grace phenomenal is not that we're worthy. We're dirty yet he loves us in it! It's not a future version of you that God loves. He loves you now as you are--in your sin, pain, brokenness, and pride. This is the gospel of grace. While we were at our worst, Christ died for us.
The idols we pursue ensure quick relief and long-term destruction. Is it worth it? Keep yourself from idols (1 John 5:21).
Here are some things Matt Chandler has said that I’ve latched on to:
When broken people try to find redemption in broken people, broken people get more broken.
Sometimes God will break your fingers to get your hands off of what will harm you.
Every time God exposes your heart by commanding of you obedience that you refuse, you just got invited into deeper intimacy with God.
Everything we own is the stuff of garage sales or landfills. Let's live simply and give generously!
Here are some other quotes that I've been pondering:
If you are the most intelligent person in the room, you are in the wrong room!
Real community is hard work, because most people are a lot like us--selfish, petty, and proud. (Kevin DeYoung)
Every painful thing we experience in relationships is meant to remind us of our need for Jesus. And every good thing we experience is meant to be a metaphor of what we can only find in Jesus. (Lane/Tripp, Relationships: A Mess Worth Making)
God is the source of all joy--all other joys are secondary and derivative. They come from him, find their meaning in him, and cannot be divorced from him." (from Randy Alcorn's phenomenal worship-producing mind-stirring affection-raising book "Heaven" - I'd highly highly recommend it)
At the turn of the century, the church became more rational than relational, more organizational than organic, more political than prayerful, and more structural than spiritual. (Winfield Bevins)
"In America, we have one-third of the world's psychiatrists, two psychotherapists for every dentist, and more counselors than librarians." Might something be wrong here?
What if Americans were to "waste less, spend less, use less, want less, need less"? (Wendell Berry)
Americans are the best entertained and quite likely the least well-informed people in the Western world. (Neil Postman)
Christ the Lord would have us cleave to Him utterly. To speak of "accepting" Him is to use far too weak an expression. Like Jacob, the believer cries, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Ed Clowney)
The corruption and weakness of our natures make it vital that we preach the gospel to our own hearts every day. Reminders of grace are not dry cereal for the soul; they are daily bread....For those in whom the Spirit dwells, grace is the fuel of obedience and the foundation of hope. Without its regular support, we quickly resort to self-dependence or private despair. (Bryan Chapell)
I’d highly recommend Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods. Here are a few quotes to wet your appetite.
If you want God's grace all you need is need, all you need is nothing. Lay your deadly "doing" down.
The true god of your heart is what your thoughts effortlessly go to when there is nothing else demanding your attention. What are you really living for, what is your real--not your professed--god?
What many people call “psychological problems” are simply issues of idolatry. Perfectionism, workaholism, chronic indecisiveness, the need to control the lives of others—all of these stem from making good things into idols that then drive us into the ground as we try to appease them. Idols dominate our lives.
Donald Miller’s book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is a fun, casual, thought-provoking read. Three quotes for a taste.
Somehow we realize that great stories are told in conflict, but we are unwilling to embrace the potential greatness of the story we are actually in. We think God is unjust, rather than a master storyteller.
If you watch the news and there's a tragedy at a house in Kansas, that guy's driveway connects with yours, and you'd be surprised how few roads it takes to get there. We are all neighbors. My life is connected to everybody else's.
When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are. And when you stop expecting material possessions to complete you, you'd be surprised at how much pleasure you get in material possessions. And when you stop expecting God to end all your troubles, you'd be surprised how much you like spending time with God.
Christopher West’s Theology of the Body for Beginners is very good, and very helpful in understanding God’s design for human sexuality. Two quotes from that book:
Sin's tactic is simply to "twist" and "disorient" our desire for heaven...Behind every sin, behind every disordered "acting out," there's a genuine human desire that's meant to be fulfilled through Christ and his Church.
God loves us; he is unequivocally for us, not against us. The "banquet" really exists and everyone without exception is invited. The only "requirement" for entry is that we stop eating out of the dumpster.
The work of Christian leaders/pastors/ministers/clergy is not to rule over people and control their obedience, but rather to "work with them for their JOY" (2 Cor. 1:24). Pursue your joy! This is Christianity 101. Devastating consequences result when we get this wrong. God, after all, is not after your begrudging submission to Him. He wants your joy!
We speak a message of Reconciled Relationship to lonely people in a fragmented culture. This is good news.
What makes God’s grace phenomenal is not that we're worthy. We're dirty yet he loves us in it! It's not a future version of you that God loves. He loves you now as you are--in your sin, pain, brokenness, and pride. This is the gospel of grace. While we were at our worst, Christ died for us.
The idols we pursue ensure quick relief and long-term destruction. Is it worth it? Keep yourself from idols (1 John 5:21).
Here are some things Matt Chandler has said that I’ve latched on to:
When broken people try to find redemption in broken people, broken people get more broken.
Sometimes God will break your fingers to get your hands off of what will harm you.
Every time God exposes your heart by commanding of you obedience that you refuse, you just got invited into deeper intimacy with God.
Everything we own is the stuff of garage sales or landfills. Let's live simply and give generously!
Here are some other quotes that I've been pondering:
If you are the most intelligent person in the room, you are in the wrong room!
Real community is hard work, because most people are a lot like us--selfish, petty, and proud. (Kevin DeYoung)
Every painful thing we experience in relationships is meant to remind us of our need for Jesus. And every good thing we experience is meant to be a metaphor of what we can only find in Jesus. (Lane/Tripp, Relationships: A Mess Worth Making)
God is the source of all joy--all other joys are secondary and derivative. They come from him, find their meaning in him, and cannot be divorced from him." (from Randy Alcorn's phenomenal worship-producing mind-stirring affection-raising book "Heaven" - I'd highly highly recommend it)
At the turn of the century, the church became more rational than relational, more organizational than organic, more political than prayerful, and more structural than spiritual. (Winfield Bevins)
"In America, we have one-third of the world's psychiatrists, two psychotherapists for every dentist, and more counselors than librarians." Might something be wrong here?
What if Americans were to "waste less, spend less, use less, want less, need less"? (Wendell Berry)
Americans are the best entertained and quite likely the least well-informed people in the Western world. (Neil Postman)
Christ the Lord would have us cleave to Him utterly. To speak of "accepting" Him is to use far too weak an expression. Like Jacob, the believer cries, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Ed Clowney)
The corruption and weakness of our natures make it vital that we preach the gospel to our own hearts every day. Reminders of grace are not dry cereal for the soul; they are daily bread....For those in whom the Spirit dwells, grace is the fuel of obedience and the foundation of hope. Without its regular support, we quickly resort to self-dependence or private despair. (Bryan Chapell)
I’d highly recommend Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods. Here are a few quotes to wet your appetite.
If you want God's grace all you need is need, all you need is nothing. Lay your deadly "doing" down.
The true god of your heart is what your thoughts effortlessly go to when there is nothing else demanding your attention. What are you really living for, what is your real--not your professed--god?
What many people call “psychological problems” are simply issues of idolatry. Perfectionism, workaholism, chronic indecisiveness, the need to control the lives of others—all of these stem from making good things into idols that then drive us into the ground as we try to appease them. Idols dominate our lives.
Donald Miller’s book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is a fun, casual, thought-provoking read. Three quotes for a taste.
Somehow we realize that great stories are told in conflict, but we are unwilling to embrace the potential greatness of the story we are actually in. We think God is unjust, rather than a master storyteller.
If you watch the news and there's a tragedy at a house in Kansas, that guy's driveway connects with yours, and you'd be surprised how few roads it takes to get there. We are all neighbors. My life is connected to everybody else's.
When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are. And when you stop expecting material possessions to complete you, you'd be surprised at how much pleasure you get in material possessions. And when you stop expecting God to end all your troubles, you'd be surprised how much you like spending time with God.
Christopher West’s Theology of the Body for Beginners is very good, and very helpful in understanding God’s design for human sexuality. Two quotes from that book:
Sin's tactic is simply to "twist" and "disorient" our desire for heaven...Behind every sin, behind every disordered "acting out," there's a genuine human desire that's meant to be fulfilled through Christ and his Church.
God loves us; he is unequivocally for us, not against us. The "banquet" really exists and everyone without exception is invited. The only "requirement" for entry is that we stop eating out of the dumpster.
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