Christian Joe

I think G. K. Chesterton is one of the most quotable authors of the 19-20th century.  I wish that I knew the spiritual state of Chesterton, for his writing is much like his life, full of paradox.  Chesterton was formally accepted by the Catholic religion toward the end of his life, but much of what he writes is of general “Christian” substance.  I would not trust Chesterton for theology or doctrine as he was no doubt highly Romish, but how he writes with wit and perception undoubtedly has influenced Christian as well as secular thought.  I thought I would print a few GKc quotes to ponder today.

“Religious liberty might be supposed to mean that everybody is free to discuss religion. In practice it means that hardly anybody is allowed to mention it.” Autobiography 1937

“Brave men are all vertebrates; they have their softness on the surface and their toughness in the middle.”

“Diplomacy is the art of saying “Nice doggie” until you can find a rock.”

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.” ILN,7/16/1910

“Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.” What’s Wrong with the World, chapter 5, 1910

“I regard golf as an expensive way of playing marbles.”

There are many more quotes and whether he was a true follower of Christ or not, there is depth and truth in a lot of what he says.  I encourage you to read a little bit of Chesterton.

As I continue to grow in God’s amazing grace, I am overcome with a sense of my own unworthiness to teach and preach the Word of God.  I am also amazed at my unworthiness to lead God’s people.  God’s sheep are so precious and I take them for granted so often.  Pastors, beware not just the wolves that might hurt God’s flock, but beware our own pride that elevates ourselves and makes us think we know more or are better than they are.  There is no clergy-laity distinction, we are all just sinners saved by Grace seeking to worship the King of kings as his family.  I am looking forward to this next month as we look at God’s Word and reflect on how we must love the church that Christ died for.  Lord, forgive me where I am proud and arrogant, make me a humble servant of yours; and church family, please forgive me where I allow my ego to rule rather than Christ.  O, for grace to be like Christ, truly the one and only Great Shepherd.  I plead with you my Lord and my God to make me more like You.

I would encourage you to read John Stott’s book The Cross of Christ.  This is one of Stott’s classic works and its thorough substantive handling of the atonement by Christ is worthy of perusing on a regular basis.  One chapter that challenged my thinking (which I thoroughly enjoy when an argument is thoughtfully and fully laid out) is chapter six titled “The Self-Substitution of God.”  In this chapter, Stott, suggests there is grave theological danger in making Jesus Christ out to be a third party in regards to the atonement.

We must not then, speak of God punishing Jesus or of Jesus persuading God, for to do so is to set them over gainst each other as if they acted independently of each other or were even in conflict with each other.  We must never make Christ the object of God’s punishment or God the object of Christ’s persuasion, for both God and Christ were subjects not objects, taking the initiative together to save sinners. Whatever happened on the cross in terms of “God-forsakeness” was voluntarily accepted by both in the same holy love that made atonement necessary. It was ‘God in our nature forsaken of God.’ (Stott, pp. 151)

At first glance, this might seem trivial, but Stott explains himself further in the chapter and it becomes clear that he is fighting the tendency of many throughout history to adjust the penal substitution of the atonement for a more “acceptable” view.  It has been the atonement, the death of Christ on the cross, that has contributed to the heretical view of the Triune nature of God called modalism.  And it has been the penal atonement truth that has caused some to err on the other side denying the deity of Christ.

It is my belief that our human, fallible minds and hearts have difficulty connecting the truth that Christ died in our place for our sins. And this is why some well-meaning souls do err when it comes to the atonement. Some complain that penal (penalty) view makes God the Father a violent judge and Jesus must step in as a third party to appease his wrath. This is the error Stott is arguing against, hence Jesus is either being violently punished by His masochistic Father or else He is soothing the wrath of the Father and persuading a reluctant Father not to punish.  This faulty understanding of the atonement is why some have scoffed at the penal, substitutionary atonement as illogical or “evil.”

I agree with Stott when he says,

We strongly reject, therefore, every explanation of the death of Christ that does not have at its center the principle of ’satisfaction through substitution,’ indeed divine self-satisfaction through divine self-substitution.  The cross was not a commercial bargain with the devil, let alone one that tricked and trapped him; nor an exact equivalent, a quid pro quo to satisfy a code of honor or technical point of law; nor a compulsory submission by God to some moral authority above him form which he could not otherwise escape; nor a punishment of a meek Christ by a harsh and punitive Father; nor a procurement of salvation by a loving Christ from a mean and reluctant Father; nor an action of the Father which bypassed Christ as Mediator.  Instead, the righteous, loving Father humbled himself to become in and through his only Son flesh, sin and a curse for us, in order to redeem us without compromising his own character.  The theological words satisfaction and substitution need to be carefully defined and safeguarded, but they cannot in any circumstances be given up.  The biblical gospel of atonement is of God satisfying himself by substituting himself for us.

So what do you think?  Is this biblical?

Recently I have been challenged in my thinking regarding the doctrine of hell.  Is there really a hell, a place of eternal torment?  Does this make God sadistic?  I have been thinking about these things, not with an unbelieving heart, but rather with a conviction that we do not express the justice of God in sending sinners to hell enough in this age. I believe this is mostly due to an effort by many in professing Christianity to remove the seemingly rough aspects of God.  It is as if, preachers feel the need to polish God’s image or even make excuses for His “bad behavior.”  Hell is offensive; an eternal God who will judge with anger and wrath is not pretty or something that natural man wants to consider or contemplate.  It is best just to remove the “dirty” aspects of the Bible rather than to wrestle with the Truth-some might think.

The Bible teaches there is a literal hell, a burning fire which represents very well the burning justice of God.  To remove hell or “air condition hell” as some have said, is to mar and attack the character of a holy, just God.  To ignore or repudiate the reality of hell also numbs the call to “flee the wrath to come” and makes the demands of the gospel powerless.  It is not as simple as “just keeping it positive.”  Denying or softening the teaching of hell strips God of His moral character and ethic (how could a just God not send certain people to hell?)

I was encouraged by an article I read by Dr. Albert Mohler.  Here is a clip from that article and a link to the full article.

A new apologetic move is now evident among some theologians and preachers who do affirm the inerrancy of the Bible and the essential truthfulness of the New Testament doctrine of hell. This new move is more subtle, to be sure. In this move the preacher simply says something like this:

“I regret to tell you that the doctrine of hell is taught in the Bible. I believe it. I believe it because it is revealed in the Bible. It is not up for renegotiation. We just have to receive it and believe it. I do believe it. I wish it could be otherwise but it is not.”

Statements like this reveal a very great deal. The authority of the Bible is clearly affirmed. The speaker affirms what the Bible reveals and rejects accommodation. So far, so good. The problem is in how the affirmation is introduced and explained. In an apologetic gesture, the doctrine is essentially lamented.

What does this say about God? What does this imply about God’s truth? Can a truth clearly revealed in the Bible be anything less than good for us? The Bible presents the knowledge of hell just as it presents the knowledge of sin and judgment: these are things we had better know. God reveals these things to us for our good and for our redemption. In this light, the knowledge of these things is grace to us. Apologizing for a doctrine is tantamount to impugning the character of God.

You can read more of what Dr. Mohler has to say by following this link.

Let us be clear and unashamed of God’s truth as we propagate and protect it.

Last year, our church was privileged to be able to host a pastor’s conference regarding the roots of historical fundamentalism.  The word fundamentalism is thrown about today with a variety of meaning.  Our conference was not about polygamy as in fundamental mormons, nor was it about fundamental muslims who commit murder. Neither was our conference about fundamental Christians who rant and rave and slobber about different preferences with application of Scripture.  I identify with none of that.  Instead, we identify with the measured yet passionate defense of Biblical Truth and dogmatic propositional statements concerning Truth found only in the Word of God, the Bible.  In Europe and America in the early parts of the 20th century, there arose a fight among those who seek to deny the authenticity, inspiration, and authority of the Bible (called modernists or liberals) and those who wanted to defend the Scriptures and the God of the Scriptures (called fundamentalists).  They were called fundamentalists because they held to certain fundamental non-negotiable doctrines where the battle lines were drawn, and they were willing to do battle royal (not in a physical sense, but a spiritual, intellectual, and social sense) for those doctrines.  Historically, these men came from different denominational lines, different perspectives, and different societies.  The united together to do battle against modernism’s attack on God’s word and work.  Our conference goal last year was to set a foundation that would show the strengths and weakness of this historical movement as a whole and learn what we can from it.  Dr. David Doran of DBTS did a masterful job weaving Biblical truth and history together in a series of lectures.  Those lectures both challenged minds and impassioned hearts because it was an emphasis on God’s Holy Word, not man’s exuberance.

We are planning our second annual Foundations Conference at Grace Baptist Church, April 26-27, 2010.  This year, Dr. Kevin Bauder from Central Seminary will be our keynote speaker.  Building upon the foundation of last year’s conference, we are now looking to “Contemporary Issues Facing the NT Church.”  Topics such as church government, views concerning inspiration, fellowship with conservative evangelicals, and politics in the church will be addressed. I am looking forward to another great conference, one that I pray will sharpen my mind, soften my tongue, encourage my soul, and energize my spirit in the work of the Lord.

If you would like a brochure mailed to you just send me a message, or you can go to the Foundations Conference website to get more information and to register.

Ever felt like this?  The Psalmist says it best.

Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing:
I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head:
they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty:
then I restored that which I took not away.

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake:
let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother’s children.
For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up;
and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time:
O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink:
let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep water;
Let not the waterflood overflow me,
neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good:
turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily.
Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies.
Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. . . .

But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.
The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God.
For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.
Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.
For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah:
that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.
The seed also of his servants shall inherit it:
and they that love his name shall dwell therein.

Psalm 69 (selected verses)

None comfort better than a good dose of Psalms.

As the pastor of a wonderful church family, I consider it the highest honor to shepherd God’s flock.  2010 will be a great year regardless of the circumstances because I know that “No good thing will he withhold from them who walk uprightly.”  There are many trials, struggles and sorrows that will accompany 2010, but our God changes not and so we can and will have deep joy and delight in God through those trials, struggles and sorrows.  I am also excited about the growth that God will do in His church this year. I am excited about the mini-series on the church being preached in March.  I am excited about the missionaries who will be ministering to us in the winter and spring.  I am excited about the classes on Sunday nights, I am excited about the series on Romans we will be starting this spring in the morning worship.  I am excited to have the goal of 150 people in attendance to hear God’s Word and that many will be introduced to God’s glory and delight.  I am jubilant about the marriage seminar and “date night” planned for this fall as well as the VBS planned for this summer.  I am overwhelmed with joy that I have the opportunity to serve God in His church in so many ways.

At the same time, I am hoping and praying for two specific things this year regarding our relationships as a church family.

1. I pray that we will truly learn and practice what it means to love one another as Christ loves us.  This means that we must be resolved this year to overlook each other’s faults and failures when possible, and strive for reconciliation and peace when we must confront.  This means we must be resolved not to speak about people, but speak to them with love and compassion.  Nothing will destroy the excitement and growth in a church faster than gossip and wagging tongues.  This also means we will not correct and criticize people when we should allow the Holy Spirit to correct them, while at the same time being God’s instruments of loving correction (this is the most difficult balance in relationships.  It takes mature discernment and absolute trust in the Lord-to know when to shut up and to know when to speak up).

2. I also pray that we will truly learn and practice what it means to forgive one another as Christ forgives us.  This means that we must be resolved to harbor no bitterness or angst toward our brothers and sisters, even if they “deserve it.”  This means that must be resolved to let our minor disagreements go and to not insist upon our tightly held rights.  This means we must be resolved to completely forgive even the most grievous sins committed against us, even if they never ask for forgiveness or make it right.  This means we will be resolved to always respond with grace, seasoned with salt.  We must be resolved to be people of action, not people of reaction.  And when it comes down to a conflict, we will vow never to hold their sin against them, but to allow it to be under the blood as Christ has already done so.

If we will truly learn these two grace-enabled disciplines, the year will be a total success even if we never get past Romans chapter 1 or all of the activities get canceled.  How about it Grace Family, can we be resolved in these two areas?

The late S.M. Lockridge’s sermon entitled “That’s My King” has been circulating through the internet for some time.  Pastor Lockridge was the Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego and a well-known speaker around the world.  I do not know much about Pastor Lockridge’s ministry, but I do know that it is impossible to listen his sermon without my heart being lifted up in adoration to the King of kings, Jesus Christ.  As we consider the birth of the King, let us consider all that He is as the Eternal One.  I have linked to a website called Igniter Media which has a powerful remix of Dr. Lockridge’s sermon.  I challenge you to take a few minutes and listen to it.

“God becoming flesh;”  that is the meaning of the incarnation.  Most people are willing to celebrate the incarnation of a baby born in a manger.  Countless families who never crack a Bible normally may even read Luke 2 this time of year, and with smiles of pity remember a baby born in a manger who is “Savior,” although that word may mean little theologically to them.  The incarnation however does not begin and end with the Christmas story.  Rather, the scene of baby Jesus so many will decorate their houses and front yards with is the just the means God used to orchestrate the purpose of the incarnation.  Jesus said that “for this hour” he had come, referring to his impending death on  the Roman cross.  Jesus Christ has never had a beginning.  When Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph could not rejoice over a “new” little life they cradled in their arms.  Why? Because Micah 5:2 tells us that the Messiah who came from Bethlehem would be from everlasting to everlasting.  The person of Jesus did not begin in Bethlehem; he had always existed as eternal, infinite God.  Rather, the beginning of the incarnation seen as the baby in the manger, was God the Son mixing his eternal person with flesh and blood.  That means the Christ was sinless (being eternally God) and still sin-cursed (being now fleshly man).  Of course, the crucifixion on the cross was Jesus Christ carrying our sinful curse on himself in fullness being separated from the Father (suffering as God) and tortured in the flesh (suffering as man).  Of course we know that Jesus Christ being God and man could die and yet not stay dead.  Death has no power over God since he instituted death as punishment for sin.  But the incarnation goes further than the cross.  When Christ rose from the dead, he rose with a body.  Similar in style but different in substance in that it was glorified and perfected.  He retains that body even today, and is still fully God and fully glorified man, which gives us hope of the glory that shall be revealed in us as his saints.  One day, we will see the fullness of the incarnation when the incarnated God, Jesus the Christ, flesh and Spirit perfectly joined returns to rule with a rod of iron.  His eye are a flaming fire and on His name is the Word of God.  The title of Jesus when He comes and we “see” the incarnation–King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19).

Hallelujah for the incarnation of God the Son from cradle to cross to king!

Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance. It is laying hold of God’s willingness.

I preached a sermon recently from Luke 11 concerning the parable of the friend at midnight.  In that sermon, I contend that this familiar parable is not about man’s persistence in prayer, but rather God’s delight and willingness to answer prayer in spite of our failings and incompetence.  Answered prayer does not depend upon us, but rather it depends upon God’s faithful character.  That brings me great joy as a sinner saved only by grace.

Listen to sermon here.