The Purpose of the Shepherd's Path, my monthly column is to let you in on a little secret: Ready...Pastors are people. Shocking I know. As a result we bring to our profession, or calling, as you may choose, the same struggles, hopes, joys, fears etc. as anyone else brings to theirs. The purpose of this column or Blog if you read it on the Web is to be a bit of an open journal into my own walk along the Shepherd's Path, that is, living day to day following Jesus our Good Shepherd.
As such I've been thinking about losing. Pittsburgh is the City of Champions. I learned this in Kindergarten in 1979 and my kids are learning it in 2009. Whether its the Stanley Cup, the SuperBowl or softball, we like to win and conversely hate to lose. Yet there are times when we do lose. We can lose big, like losing a job or a spouse or a significant relationship or we can lose smaller things like an argument or a debate, or our car keys.
But as much as we like to win there are times when losing isn't losing. You do not lose when you keep what is essential. I'll give you an example. There times in a pastor's life when debate is essential. Whether it is a proposal before presbytery or an unfortunate turn in a conversation about ones faith. I've lost quite a few debates in my life. The proposal I'm looking to see defeated passes, The person attacking my faith in Jesus and insisting on their own brand of religion as the one true church or pressing the case for no God at all outmaneuvers me and leaves me with no good response. Now an hour or a day later I might think of the perfect response but its too late I've lost. I knew the right answer but couldn't produce it when it counted. Yet really I didn't lose. Maybe I was embarrassed but I still hold my faith intact. All the opposition proved was they were more skilled in debate than I which is not difficult to prove. A bully might be able to clear the playground but that doesn't change the deed to the park. What is essential, my faith, remains.
You might lose an argument, again it doesn't prove you were wrong. Maybe you were missing a fact or two that could have proven your case or maybe you simply were ambushed and in your own way chose not to fight back with the same tactics as the other person. They are not right, just...louder. And you kept your integrity intact. Not returning evil for evil... sounds like advice from someone I know.
Losing a job or relationship can not be an ultimate loss if it does not diminish who you are. Finances might suffer in either case and you may miss the benefits of either but you my friend are much more than a position or a part of a couple. You are always a child of God and are always significant.
The fact remains if you lose you may grieve, you may feel sorrow, but do not let what is Rock Solid be shaken, those things you know to be true from the word of God: The truth that in Christ, you are God's own favorite (not like “better than another” but as in “favorite of the king”, recipient of favor and grace). Never let a loss be a total loss.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Glad to be Back
The School of Evangelism...
As most of you know I spent the first part of the twelve days I took off for Study Leave and Vacation, attending the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Asheville North Carolina. I want to thank the congregation of this church for the opportunity you give me through giving me leave and funds for that event as well as vacation time as part of my terms of call. I truly appreciate it. While the setting of “The Cove” in Asheville was beautiful, quiet, and restful, the teaching was dynamic and almost overwhelming. The conference was three days starting at 7 PM Monday then Full days, 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday. By Wednesday Afternoon I was ready to come back to work to have an easier schedule. In addition to the great teaching though they also gave us a stack of books and even a curriculum that PJ will be looking at with Christian Ed for use with “Tweens” (Youth aged 9-14). The full curriculum itself was worth more than twice what you paid for registration.
While I didn't necessarily “learn” anything new and life altering, I was powerfully reminded of some very important things that I needed for ministry here. You too might need them so I'll share them here. There are five and unfortunately they do not lend themselves to any easily memorizable formula. But I hope you find some or all of them helpful as you pursue your own walk with Jesus and your calling to use your gifts in service to God and neighbors.
1.God is glad in your presence.
One of the challenges of wanting to serve God is that you always see so much that needs to be done and never feel like you are doing enough. Let this attitude go too far and you might even feel like just a part of a crowd where God is the star who you can say you went to see in concert but who of course never knew or cared that you were there. The first night I was reminded that the Gospel is that Jesus died and rose so that he could personally welcome you, into his family. YOU matter to God and He is glad you are his. He is also Glad when you come to worship, pray, read scripture, sing or otherwise draw near to Him. Scripture says “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
Keep the Gospel First
In Various places around “the Cove” you see the motto of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, “Always Good News”. In our desire to see our church grow and to see our people happy we often try to do all things and be all things to everyone to be a “full service” church. Those things which we do, our “programs” are good things, when they serve the main purpose of the church: Telling people the Good News of Jesus Christ and helping them be effective and growing followers of Him. Our drive is not to please all people but to make sure everyone we encounter has the opportunity to hear about Jesus and to have the help, shelter, and equipping they need to follow Him, and the encouragement and opportunity to make disciples themselves.
Pray
Everything that the Billy Graham team does in all its ministries is begun, carried out, and ended with prayer and praise. I even over heard the shuttle bus drivers talking about a morning prayer meeting. Every member of the team is praying and is prayed for. I am reminded of the saying ”You cannot do more than pray, until you have prayed.” I look forward to increasing in our church opportunities for prayer and emphasizing the importance of this part of our life with Jesus.
Don't Do Life on Your Own
Scripture says “No man can serve two masters”. While Jesus was talking about serving God and Money, I believe it also applies to God and self. Tied into the need for prayer and God's Joy in our presence is the fact that we were never meant to make it on our own. For me that means Stop working to remake the life I want and start enjoying the life God has given me at this stage. It means I cannot recreate the home and ministry I had in Kansas here in Oakdale, but I can discover and enjoy the life an ministry God has given us now. Also it means that with prayer I am free to do those things which God directs to be done and stop trying to do what I think I should be doing to be like someone else. We cannot force life to happen the way we want and we can be so busy trying that we miss the open doors God is showing us.
Ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit
Cliff Barrows, 80, the youngest of the original Billy Graham team( Billy, 90; George Beverly Shea, 100; and Cliff) spoke the last night. He told of their early days and the lessons they learned and the principles they applied over the years to their ministry. The story I got the most from was the story he told of the night in London when They visited another minister who shared with them a Bible study from John 13, 14, and 15, about the Holy Spirit. After they prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit everything changed for their ministry. That was when they began to see the thousands come to Jesus that we associate with Billy Graham crusades. It is not about us, it is about God working through us.
Surrender
Finally, the call of following Jesus is not one of commitment to Jesus but one of complete surrender. We are to belong to Him and let nothing remain our own. We do not surrender to other's demands, our wants, the world's priorities, or even the church as an institution. We live in such a way as to say “yes” when we hear the Lord saying “Go” or “Do”. We do so with the assurance that in some way or another, miraculously or through on of God's many tools, (His church being a key part) Things will work out even when they look impossible. For “ we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
In Christ and On the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
As most of you know I spent the first part of the twelve days I took off for Study Leave and Vacation, attending the Billy Graham School of Evangelism in Asheville North Carolina. I want to thank the congregation of this church for the opportunity you give me through giving me leave and funds for that event as well as vacation time as part of my terms of call. I truly appreciate it. While the setting of “The Cove” in Asheville was beautiful, quiet, and restful, the teaching was dynamic and almost overwhelming. The conference was three days starting at 7 PM Monday then Full days, 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday. By Wednesday Afternoon I was ready to come back to work to have an easier schedule. In addition to the great teaching though they also gave us a stack of books and even a curriculum that PJ will be looking at with Christian Ed for use with “Tweens” (Youth aged 9-14). The full curriculum itself was worth more than twice what you paid for registration.
While I didn't necessarily “learn” anything new and life altering, I was powerfully reminded of some very important things that I needed for ministry here. You too might need them so I'll share them here. There are five and unfortunately they do not lend themselves to any easily memorizable formula. But I hope you find some or all of them helpful as you pursue your own walk with Jesus and your calling to use your gifts in service to God and neighbors.
1.God is glad in your presence.
One of the challenges of wanting to serve God is that you always see so much that needs to be done and never feel like you are doing enough. Let this attitude go too far and you might even feel like just a part of a crowd where God is the star who you can say you went to see in concert but who of course never knew or cared that you were there. The first night I was reminded that the Gospel is that Jesus died and rose so that he could personally welcome you, into his family. YOU matter to God and He is glad you are his. He is also Glad when you come to worship, pray, read scripture, sing or otherwise draw near to Him. Scripture says “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
Keep the Gospel First
In Various places around “the Cove” you see the motto of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, “Always Good News”. In our desire to see our church grow and to see our people happy we often try to do all things and be all things to everyone to be a “full service” church. Those things which we do, our “programs” are good things, when they serve the main purpose of the church: Telling people the Good News of Jesus Christ and helping them be effective and growing followers of Him. Our drive is not to please all people but to make sure everyone we encounter has the opportunity to hear about Jesus and to have the help, shelter, and equipping they need to follow Him, and the encouragement and opportunity to make disciples themselves.
Pray
Everything that the Billy Graham team does in all its ministries is begun, carried out, and ended with prayer and praise. I even over heard the shuttle bus drivers talking about a morning prayer meeting. Every member of the team is praying and is prayed for. I am reminded of the saying ”You cannot do more than pray, until you have prayed.” I look forward to increasing in our church opportunities for prayer and emphasizing the importance of this part of our life with Jesus.
Don't Do Life on Your Own
Scripture says “No man can serve two masters”. While Jesus was talking about serving God and Money, I believe it also applies to God and self. Tied into the need for prayer and God's Joy in our presence is the fact that we were never meant to make it on our own. For me that means Stop working to remake the life I want and start enjoying the life God has given me at this stage. It means I cannot recreate the home and ministry I had in Kansas here in Oakdale, but I can discover and enjoy the life an ministry God has given us now. Also it means that with prayer I am free to do those things which God directs to be done and stop trying to do what I think I should be doing to be like someone else. We cannot force life to happen the way we want and we can be so busy trying that we miss the open doors God is showing us.
Ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit
Cliff Barrows, 80, the youngest of the original Billy Graham team( Billy, 90; George Beverly Shea, 100; and Cliff) spoke the last night. He told of their early days and the lessons they learned and the principles they applied over the years to their ministry. The story I got the most from was the story he told of the night in London when They visited another minister who shared with them a Bible study from John 13, 14, and 15, about the Holy Spirit. After they prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit everything changed for their ministry. That was when they began to see the thousands come to Jesus that we associate with Billy Graham crusades. It is not about us, it is about God working through us.
Surrender
Finally, the call of following Jesus is not one of commitment to Jesus but one of complete surrender. We are to belong to Him and let nothing remain our own. We do not surrender to other's demands, our wants, the world's priorities, or even the church as an institution. We live in such a way as to say “yes” when we hear the Lord saying “Go” or “Do”. We do so with the assurance that in some way or another, miraculously or through on of God's many tools, (His church being a key part) Things will work out even when they look impossible. For “ we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
In Christ and On the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
Thursday, May 7, 2009
National Day of Prayer
Just some random thoughts and prayers today...
It's easy to blog and gripe about our Nation. The News is depressing and fearful. Leaders seem to be pushing their own agendas and abandoning the true good of all the people. Yet today is the day for putting complaining aside and PRAYING; entrusting the care of our nation, her people, her leaders, to almighty God who is our only real and true confidence.
What makes us a unique nation is our rule of law. We are ruled by a constitution written by people whose principles were shaped by a belief long held and too soon forgotten in absolute truth and right and wrong...good and evil. They saw God as the final arbiter of these things and sought to create a necessary government that would protect human freedom, promote good and restrain evil.
True there were and are still, sins to be confessed. Slavery was thought a beneficial institution for both slave and free, this was wrong. We believed we had a right to empire and ambition and pursued this carelessly. We confess these things but cannot abandon the foundations of our nation for the improper way her people have chosen in the past.
Sins past must be forgiven and reconciled and like the Nation which forgot it's book of the Law, must return to her God with all her heart and seek to live in righteousness from this day forward.
I ask especially for guidance for our president Barack Obama, our congress and Judges. Men's hearts may only be changed and directed by the Holy Spirit to do what is right if You O God work to transform hearts of Stone to hearts of flesh. May even our hearts that are in transformation be changed all the faster so that the flinty portions which harbor our sinful ways and our untrue beliefs may be melted and conformed to God's truth.
Can we love and care for the poor and also allow the successful who succeed by good work and God's blessing to continue in success without punishment? Can a way be found to do that? Can we permit free speech and open debate and only silence opposition by the weight of good arguments and facts? Not with heavy handed bullying and control. Can we do that? Can we protect unborn lives and born ones as well? Can we love those who are wrong, not reward evil, but give grace and freedom?
You alone know, God. With you nothing is impossible. Change hearts. Deal with evil righteously.
We know all human government is provisional and necessary in your providence until your kingdom comes. May we use the blessings of our liberty to call as many as will hear to welcome your kingdom. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
It's easy to blog and gripe about our Nation. The News is depressing and fearful. Leaders seem to be pushing their own agendas and abandoning the true good of all the people. Yet today is the day for putting complaining aside and PRAYING; entrusting the care of our nation, her people, her leaders, to almighty God who is our only real and true confidence.
What makes us a unique nation is our rule of law. We are ruled by a constitution written by people whose principles were shaped by a belief long held and too soon forgotten in absolute truth and right and wrong...good and evil. They saw God as the final arbiter of these things and sought to create a necessary government that would protect human freedom, promote good and restrain evil.
True there were and are still, sins to be confessed. Slavery was thought a beneficial institution for both slave and free, this was wrong. We believed we had a right to empire and ambition and pursued this carelessly. We confess these things but cannot abandon the foundations of our nation for the improper way her people have chosen in the past.
Sins past must be forgiven and reconciled and like the Nation which forgot it's book of the Law, must return to her God with all her heart and seek to live in righteousness from this day forward.
I ask especially for guidance for our president Barack Obama, our congress and Judges. Men's hearts may only be changed and directed by the Holy Spirit to do what is right if You O God work to transform hearts of Stone to hearts of flesh. May even our hearts that are in transformation be changed all the faster so that the flinty portions which harbor our sinful ways and our untrue beliefs may be melted and conformed to God's truth.
Can we love and care for the poor and also allow the successful who succeed by good work and God's blessing to continue in success without punishment? Can a way be found to do that? Can we permit free speech and open debate and only silence opposition by the weight of good arguments and facts? Not with heavy handed bullying and control. Can we do that? Can we protect unborn lives and born ones as well? Can we love those who are wrong, not reward evil, but give grace and freedom?
You alone know, God. With you nothing is impossible. Change hearts. Deal with evil righteously.
We know all human government is provisional and necessary in your providence until your kingdom comes. May we use the blessings of our liberty to call as many as will hear to welcome your kingdom. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sanitized...
“There is not a single instance in history in which civil liberty was lost, and religious liberty preserved entire. If therefore we yield up our temporal property, we at the same time deliver the conscience into bondage.”
John Witherspoon
[John Witherspoon (February 15, 1723 – November 15, 1794) was a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. He was both the only active clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration. ]
For a soldier's uniform to be “sanitized” it is not washed in bleach or any other germ killing cleansers. A “sanitized” uniform is one that is stripped of any and all reference to anything that would identify the origin of that soldier. In the book by Tom Clancy, Clear and Present Danger , the special operations troops fighting the drug cartels wear “sanitized” uniforms to aid in confusing their enemies and to allow the government to deny knowledge of the operation.
Christians are increasingly being “sanitized” as well. We can do what we do as long as any reference to the king we serve is removed or covered. Hide the cross. Remove scripture references. Don't let on that it is because of Jesus that we have the good things we enjoy, the institutions we have built, or the services we use. Recently I read an article about chaplains in the Armed forces of the united states being told to pray but to pray without using Jesus' name. We would never require a Muslim chaplain to eschew the name of Allah. And while it may be argued that Allah is simply Arabic for the generic term, God, For the Christian to refuse to pray in Jesus name is to deny the very reason we can pray in the first place. We do not pray on our own merit, because God has to hear us, or because our clergy are sanctified and made clean to enter the presence of God. We can pray because we are all made clean by the blood of Jesus, purchasing forgiveness of sins and giving us free access to the “throne of grace.” To pray in any other name or no name at all, is to deny the very source of our ability to pray.
Now I will admit it is perhaps fair to submit to some “sanitization.” Sometimes going and doing what we do without waving a banner will gain us access to those who might not hear the gospel. But this is not true sanitization, but more like discretion. When it counts, when the opportunity arises, or when it is necessary to do what we are doing, we unashamedly and clearly share the gospel. But again this is at our discretion and led by the Holy Spirit. It is recognizing that to certain audiences the name of Jesus must be introduced after we have shown that Jesus and his people (most often his people) can be trusted.
We cannot however willingly allow ourselves to be bullied, legislated, or otherwise made to silence the name of Jesus from our lips. When we abandon the freedom to declare the source of our freedom, we abandon any hope of retaining our own clear conscience, that we might live as Christians.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's path,
Mark
Share you thoughts at www.shepherdspathoakdale.blogspot.com
Join our church's site and blog at www.mychurch.org a christian social networking site
John Witherspoon
[John Witherspoon (February 15, 1723 – November 15, 1794) was a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. He was both the only active clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration. ]
For a soldier's uniform to be “sanitized” it is not washed in bleach or any other germ killing cleansers. A “sanitized” uniform is one that is stripped of any and all reference to anything that would identify the origin of that soldier. In the book by Tom Clancy, Clear and Present Danger , the special operations troops fighting the drug cartels wear “sanitized” uniforms to aid in confusing their enemies and to allow the government to deny knowledge of the operation.
Christians are increasingly being “sanitized” as well. We can do what we do as long as any reference to the king we serve is removed or covered. Hide the cross. Remove scripture references. Don't let on that it is because of Jesus that we have the good things we enjoy, the institutions we have built, or the services we use. Recently I read an article about chaplains in the Armed forces of the united states being told to pray but to pray without using Jesus' name. We would never require a Muslim chaplain to eschew the name of Allah. And while it may be argued that Allah is simply Arabic for the generic term, God, For the Christian to refuse to pray in Jesus name is to deny the very reason we can pray in the first place. We do not pray on our own merit, because God has to hear us, or because our clergy are sanctified and made clean to enter the presence of God. We can pray because we are all made clean by the blood of Jesus, purchasing forgiveness of sins and giving us free access to the “throne of grace.” To pray in any other name or no name at all, is to deny the very source of our ability to pray.
Now I will admit it is perhaps fair to submit to some “sanitization.” Sometimes going and doing what we do without waving a banner will gain us access to those who might not hear the gospel. But this is not true sanitization, but more like discretion. When it counts, when the opportunity arises, or when it is necessary to do what we are doing, we unashamedly and clearly share the gospel. But again this is at our discretion and led by the Holy Spirit. It is recognizing that to certain audiences the name of Jesus must be introduced after we have shown that Jesus and his people (most often his people) can be trusted.
We cannot however willingly allow ourselves to be bullied, legislated, or otherwise made to silence the name of Jesus from our lips. When we abandon the freedom to declare the source of our freedom, we abandon any hope of retaining our own clear conscience, that we might live as Christians.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's path,
Mark
Share you thoughts at www.shepherdspathoakdale.blogspot.com
Join our church's site and blog at www.mychurch.org a christian social networking site
Monday, April 20, 2009
To Be enough...
To get right to the point. God's name is I AM.
As I sit in the office this morning I am struck by all of the things I want, the world seems to want, and where God fits. It seems to me that God's name says it all, I Am. I spend an awful lot of time worrying about how to get what I want, and yet God seems to want nothing. God needs nothing in the sense that God is all and self sufficient. God IS, pure and simple.
But God also chose, mysteriously, to make a covenant, a contract, that included me. This contract makes me want to please God, not to live up to my end of the contract, since my end was met by Jesus, but because I love God.
Problem is there are an awful lot of things I think might please God. One of which is that there are people who need to know God's love, hear the good news of Jesus, and be equipped to be His disciples.
In the past few weeks I've seen more than the usual number of people who need what the Church, and I, as part of that church, can offer. Hurting people, lost people, clueless people, people who, like me would be terrified if they slowed down long enough to wonder where they fit.
On top of all of this is the fear I have of not being enough. Those people need a pastor and a church that will meet their needs. They need worship that will not entertain but welcome them into the real presence of God present in Word and sacrament. They need friendships in the congregation who will draw them close, lift up, challenge, and sharpen them. They need opportunities to make a real difference in their world. Can I... can we be enough.
No we can't...but God is. We need to slow down enough and give God enough of our attention to hear where we fit and what we must do so that we can be enough in our own small part to be the means God uses to be all in all to them.
Take some time today. Slow down. sit down... or kneel if the knees allow, and listen. What do you hear?
In Christ and on the shepherd's path,
Mark
As I sit in the office this morning I am struck by all of the things I want, the world seems to want, and where God fits. It seems to me that God's name says it all, I Am. I spend an awful lot of time worrying about how to get what I want, and yet God seems to want nothing. God needs nothing in the sense that God is all and self sufficient. God IS, pure and simple.
But God also chose, mysteriously, to make a covenant, a contract, that included me. This contract makes me want to please God, not to live up to my end of the contract, since my end was met by Jesus, but because I love God.
Problem is there are an awful lot of things I think might please God. One of which is that there are people who need to know God's love, hear the good news of Jesus, and be equipped to be His disciples.
In the past few weeks I've seen more than the usual number of people who need what the Church, and I, as part of that church, can offer. Hurting people, lost people, clueless people, people who, like me would be terrified if they slowed down long enough to wonder where they fit.
On top of all of this is the fear I have of not being enough. Those people need a pastor and a church that will meet their needs. They need worship that will not entertain but welcome them into the real presence of God present in Word and sacrament. They need friendships in the congregation who will draw them close, lift up, challenge, and sharpen them. They need opportunities to make a real difference in their world. Can I... can we be enough.
No we can't...but God is. We need to slow down enough and give God enough of our attention to hear where we fit and what we must do so that we can be enough in our own small part to be the means God uses to be all in all to them.
Take some time today. Slow down. sit down... or kneel if the knees allow, and listen. What do you hear?
In Christ and on the shepherd's path,
Mark
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
TULIP?
A member of our church asked me "What is TULIP."
TULIP is an acronym for five doctrines of the reformed (calvinist and Presbyterian) church. It is a summary of Biblical teaching on several subjects including Sin, God's sovereignty, Grace, and salvation.
TULIP stands for:
Total Depravity- Human beings are totally lost and incapable of doing anything to aid in their own salvation. We are sin Dead, not merely weak or sick. No good that we do is good enough to earn God's favor and therefore we are in need of a savior. Whatever we choose to do with our "free will" we can do nothing to be "good enough for salvation.
Unconditional election- With no merit of our own God none the less chose a people for himself to demonstrate his grace and glory. This is first demonstrated in God choosing Noah, then Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all of Israel, and then electing both Jews and gentiles for salvation in Jesus Christ. God does this not out of consideration for anything we have done but only by His own free grace. Nothing we do forces God's hand to make him save us.
Limited atonement- This is where most people stumble if they haven't already. The benefit of Christ's death on the cross was only for the elect (saved) not for all. Consider the alternatives Jesus died for all and not just the elect. Then either All are saved which would deny any teaching of the Bible on Hell, or All are not saved and God is unjust exacting from some the same penalty twice (once on Christ and once on the person himself) and a person's salvation is left in their own hands not in God's But that would make us only partially depraved and not "sin dead".
Irresistible grace- The elect are incapable of doing anything to ultimately resist God's power to save them should God elect them. The effect of this is we can be sure that since we contributed nothing to our salvation we can do nothing to lose it.
Perseverance of the saints- Our final assurance is found in the truth that since we did nothing to earn grace, and can do nothing to lose it, that all who are truly elect will persevere in faith to the end and beyond, and will do such works including obedience to God, by the power given to us by the Holy Spirit that demonstrate that we are in fact the elect people of God.
Why this matters. Belief in TULIP has several effects. Remember this is a doctrine to help us understand biblical teaching and for the assurance of the elect, not a means to bar anyone from entering the church. We are to proclaim the good news of salvation to all, that the elect may come to know the joy of knowing their security in Christ. Effects of TULIP include.
Security- A believer may not fear that he will not merit salvation because she or he doesn't. It is a free gift to be received. A believer may not fear that he or she will lose salvation since grace is irresistible and in Christ we persevere. We also can experience forgiveness for mistakes, knowing we are secure in God.
Evangelism- Opponents of TULIP say if we believe these things we will not evangelize since salvation is in God's power of election or (often incorrectly called and understood) predestination and it matters not what we do. This is false for two reasons. First, Means. God uses certain means to call the elect to himself. The ordinary means God has chosen of a sinner coming to know he or she is an elect saint of God is through the preaching of the gospel. God has power to use other means certainly, but the bible has revealed that the ordinary means is from one believer to another. Second, Obedience. Jesus told us to proclaim the gospel. Who are we to say no, even if we believe it is all in God's hands.
Worship- If salvation is entirely ultimately in God's hands then our worship is magnified. We are more grateful and give more glory to God alone for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. There is no smugness or superiority that has us looking at the lost and saying "I'm glad I was smarter than them and came to Jesus." There is only pity for those outside and the compassionate hope that they too will come to receive what we have since we were once like them. Our worship is then focused on God and his Glory and especially His grace.
Boldness. Since the salvation of others is in God's hand and not ours we can share the good news boldly without fear that a person will be lost for our stumbling words, lack of skill or creativity or inability to be there for them all. The lost (Called the reprobate) will be lost for their sin alone and the saved (elect) will be won by the Holy Spirit working through our words and example, no matter how feeble.
Hope this helps.
In Christ,
Mark
TULIP is an acronym for five doctrines of the reformed (calvinist and Presbyterian) church. It is a summary of Biblical teaching on several subjects including Sin, God's sovereignty, Grace, and salvation.
TULIP stands for:
Total Depravity- Human beings are totally lost and incapable of doing anything to aid in their own salvation. We are sin Dead, not merely weak or sick. No good that we do is good enough to earn God's favor and therefore we are in need of a savior. Whatever we choose to do with our "free will" we can do nothing to be "good enough for salvation.
Unconditional election- With no merit of our own God none the less chose a people for himself to demonstrate his grace and glory. This is first demonstrated in God choosing Noah, then Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all of Israel, and then electing both Jews and gentiles for salvation in Jesus Christ. God does this not out of consideration for anything we have done but only by His own free grace. Nothing we do forces God's hand to make him save us.
Limited atonement- This is where most people stumble if they haven't already. The benefit of Christ's death on the cross was only for the elect (saved) not for all. Consider the alternatives Jesus died for all and not just the elect. Then either All are saved which would deny any teaching of the Bible on Hell, or All are not saved and God is unjust exacting from some the same penalty twice (once on Christ and once on the person himself) and a person's salvation is left in their own hands not in God's But that would make us only partially depraved and not "sin dead".
Irresistible grace- The elect are incapable of doing anything to ultimately resist God's power to save them should God elect them. The effect of this is we can be sure that since we contributed nothing to our salvation we can do nothing to lose it.
Perseverance of the saints- Our final assurance is found in the truth that since we did nothing to earn grace, and can do nothing to lose it, that all who are truly elect will persevere in faith to the end and beyond, and will do such works including obedience to God, by the power given to us by the Holy Spirit that demonstrate that we are in fact the elect people of God.
Why this matters. Belief in TULIP has several effects. Remember this is a doctrine to help us understand biblical teaching and for the assurance of the elect, not a means to bar anyone from entering the church. We are to proclaim the good news of salvation to all, that the elect may come to know the joy of knowing their security in Christ. Effects of TULIP include.
Security- A believer may not fear that he will not merit salvation because she or he doesn't. It is a free gift to be received. A believer may not fear that he or she will lose salvation since grace is irresistible and in Christ we persevere. We also can experience forgiveness for mistakes, knowing we are secure in God.
Evangelism- Opponents of TULIP say if we believe these things we will not evangelize since salvation is in God's power of election or (often incorrectly called and understood) predestination and it matters not what we do. This is false for two reasons. First, Means. God uses certain means to call the elect to himself. The ordinary means God has chosen of a sinner coming to know he or she is an elect saint of God is through the preaching of the gospel. God has power to use other means certainly, but the bible has revealed that the ordinary means is from one believer to another. Second, Obedience. Jesus told us to proclaim the gospel. Who are we to say no, even if we believe it is all in God's hands.
Worship- If salvation is entirely ultimately in God's hands then our worship is magnified. We are more grateful and give more glory to God alone for doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. There is no smugness or superiority that has us looking at the lost and saying "I'm glad I was smarter than them and came to Jesus." There is only pity for those outside and the compassionate hope that they too will come to receive what we have since we were once like them. Our worship is then focused on God and his Glory and especially His grace.
Boldness. Since the salvation of others is in God's hand and not ours we can share the good news boldly without fear that a person will be lost for our stumbling words, lack of skill or creativity or inability to be there for them all. The lost (Called the reprobate) will be lost for their sin alone and the saved (elect) will be won by the Holy Spirit working through our words and example, no matter how feeble.
Hope this helps.
In Christ,
Mark
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Have we got something worth doing?
Last Month I wrote to you about keeping our eyes focused on the “main thing”. Recently I've been reading in both the Gospel of John as well as some of Johns Letters. What I discovered this morning sheds some light on who we are as a church and some of the vision to which we are called. Look at 1st John 1: 1-7
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
These are the words of John, the Apostle, but also John the beloved disciple who walked with Jesus. John, who was with Jesus at the cross and was given the task of caring for Mark Jesus' mother as Jesus was dying. A side note: John was not simply needed to care for Mary as Jesus was dying, since he would rise again, but also in preparation for Jesus ascension when he as Mary's son could not be there to take care of his widowed mother.
Anyway, this John, writes the words you just read to the early church, giving them his thoughtful summary years after the fact of what it meant to have walked with Jesus. No talk of miracles or sublime moments of prayer. No words about epiphanies hearing Jesus teach the Word to them. Just a simple summary of what Jesus means to the World.
Go back and read his words again...
He gives his account that this is what he saw, felt and experienced. Not academic theology but experience of walking with Jesus, and yet this walk leads him to conclude that Jesus is Life. He also says that he is sharing it with them for a purpose. Not to make them “get right with God.” Not to “make the world a better place.” Not to “save sinners”. Even though all of these things are wonderful side effects.
He shares his account so that The joy of the believers might be complete, seeing those outside now “have fellowship” with us joining with us in the fellowship we have with God the Father and with Jesus the Son. Surely we are forgiven. Surely we live better lives. Surely we make the world a better place. But best of all we walk with God and invite others to ENJOY that too.
Now, do we have something worth doing?
In Christ and On the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write this to make our[a] joy complete.
Walking in the light
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
These are the words of John, the Apostle, but also John the beloved disciple who walked with Jesus. John, who was with Jesus at the cross and was given the task of caring for Mark Jesus' mother as Jesus was dying. A side note: John was not simply needed to care for Mary as Jesus was dying, since he would rise again, but also in preparation for Jesus ascension when he as Mary's son could not be there to take care of his widowed mother.
Anyway, this John, writes the words you just read to the early church, giving them his thoughtful summary years after the fact of what it meant to have walked with Jesus. No talk of miracles or sublime moments of prayer. No words about epiphanies hearing Jesus teach the Word to them. Just a simple summary of what Jesus means to the World.
Go back and read his words again...
He gives his account that this is what he saw, felt and experienced. Not academic theology but experience of walking with Jesus, and yet this walk leads him to conclude that Jesus is Life. He also says that he is sharing it with them for a purpose. Not to make them “get right with God.” Not to “make the world a better place.” Not to “save sinners”. Even though all of these things are wonderful side effects.
He shares his account so that The joy of the believers might be complete, seeing those outside now “have fellowship” with us joining with us in the fellowship we have with God the Father and with Jesus the Son. Surely we are forgiven. Surely we live better lives. Surely we make the world a better place. But best of all we walk with God and invite others to ENJOY that too.
Now, do we have something worth doing?
In Christ and On the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
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