Someone caught my Calvinism slipping...This is what Blogs and responses are for.
A friend, Brother in Christ and colleague responded to my last post with the quoted text below. The quotation from Spurgeon is worth reading.
In the text I made the theological misstatement that "He Knew: Christ Paid for every Sin...True."
My friend adds
"Not true. He paid the price for those chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world. Failure to understand this point has misled millions."
My response: Fair enough. I cannot debate the truth that Christ's atonement is efficient only for the elect. The shooter was perhaps confident either in a Christian Universalism (that in Christ everyone is saved) or in his own belief that Christ's atonement was effective for HIS every sin. In that sense he believed in the effectiveness of Christ's death to cover any sin no matter how grievous. This is true.
However, his actions do not demonstrate his regeneration sufficiently to give us confidence in his inclusion among the elect.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
"On Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 11:59 AM, (Email deleted) wrote:
In a message dated 8/5/2009 8:30:46 A.M. US Mountain Standard Time, (this author) writes:
The Shooter at the Bridgeville LA Fitness wrote on his Blog, prior to the shootings.
"Maybe soon, I will see God and Jesus. At least that is what I was told. Eternal life does NOT depend on works. If it did, we will all be in hell. Christ paid for EVERY sin, so how can I or you be judged BY GOD for a sin when the penalty was ALREADY paid. People judge but that does not matter. I was reading the Bible and The Integrity of God beginning yesterday, because soon I will see them."
I will not post the link because I will not subject others to this man's evil. The quote above was mentioned on the news and that is sufficient to make the point.
Why do I blog this. Because it so struck me when I heard it on Fox News This Morning that I had to comment. Obviously this person had some facts right but chose to abuse grace.
Obviously.
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Rom. 6: 1-2
He Knew: Christ Paid for every Sin...True.
Not true. He paid the price for those chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world. Failure to understand this point has misled millions.
Christ's Limited Atonement
Charles Spurgeon
Some persons love the doctrine of universal atonement because they say, "It is so beautiful. It is a lovely idea that Christ should have died for all men; it commends itself," they say, "to the instincts of humanity; there is something in it full of joy and beauty." I admit there is, but beauty may be often associated with falsehood. There is much which I might admire in the
theory of universal redemption, but I will just show what the supposition necessarily involves. If Christ on His cross intended to save every man, then He intended to save those who were lost before He died. If the doctrine be true, that He died for all men, then He died for some who were in hell before He came into this world, for doubtless there were even then myriads there who had been cast away because of their sins.
Once again, if it was Christ's intention to save all men, how deplorably has He been disappointed, for we have His own testimony that there is a lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, and into that pit of woe have been cast some of the very persons who, according to the theory of universal redemption, were bought with His blood. That seems to me a conception a thousand times more repulsive than any of those consequences which are said to be associated with the Calvinistic and Christian doctrine of special and particular redemption.
To think that my Savior died for men who were or are in hell, seems a supposition too horrible for me to entertain. To imagine for a moment that He was the Substitute for all the sons of men, and that God, having first punished the Substitute, afterwards punished the sinners themselves, seems to conflict with all my ideas of divine justice. That Christ should offer an atonement and satisfaction for the sins of all men, and that afterwards some of those very men should be punished for the sins for which Christ had already atoned, appears to me to be the most monstrous iniquity that could ever have been imputed to Saturn, to Janus, to the goddess of the Thugs, or to the most diabolical heathen deities. God forbid that we should ever think thus of Jehovah, the just and wise and good!
There is no soul living who holds more firmly to the doctrines of grace than I do, and if any man asks me whether I am ashamed to be called a Calvinist, I answer-I wish to be called nothing but a Christian; but if you ask me, do I hold the doctrinal views which were held by John Calvin, I reply, I do in the main hold them, and rejoice to avow it. But far be it from me even to imagine that Zion contains none but Calvinistic Christians within her walls, or that there are none saved who do not hold our views. Most atrocious things have been spoken about the character and spiritual condition of John Wesley, the modern prince of Arminians. I can only say concerning him that, while I detest many of the doctrines which he preached, yet for the man himself I have a reverence second to no Wesleyan; and if there were wanted two apostles to be added to the number of the twelve, I do not believe that there could be found two men more fit to be so added than George Whitefield and John Wesley. The character of John Wesley stands beyond all imputation for self-sacrifice, zeal, holiness, and communion with God; he lived far above the ordinary level of common Christians, and was one "of whom the world was not worthy." I believe there are multitudes of men who cannot see these truths, or, at least, cannot see them in the way in which we put them, who nevertheless have received Christ as their Savior, and are as dear to the heart of the God of grace as the soundest Calvinist in or out of heaven.
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bridgeville Shootings (edited from original)
Some thoughts on last night's Bridgeville PA shootings (a few miles from my home).
The Shooter at the Bridgeville LA Fitness wrote on his Blog, prior to the shootings.
"Maybe soon, I will see God and Jesus. At least that is what I was told. Eternal life does NOT depend on works. If it did, we will all be in hell. Christ paid for EVERY sin, so how can I or you be judged BY GOD for a sin when the penalty was ALREADY paid. People judge but that does not matter. I was reading the Bible and The Integrity of God beginning yesterday, because soon I will see them."
I will not post the link because I will not subject others to this man's evil. The quote above was mentioned on the news and that is sufficient to make the point.
Why do I blog this. Because it so struck me when I heard it on Fox News This Morning that I had to comment. Obviously this person had some facts right but chose to abuse grace.
He Knew: Christ Paid for every Sin...True in the sense that Christ's death is sufficient to cover any sin no matter how grievous.
Eternal life Does not depend on works...True.
However where he missed the point is that what we receive if we are truly in Christ is a regenerated Spirit where we are truly repentant of Sin and seek to avoid sin at whatever the cost. There is no repentant heart in the shooter's writings. The is a premeditated willingness to do others harm, to take life of those who had offended him by their very existence. There is a self absorbed focus on what he was not getting from others (women). None of these give us an confidence in this man's regenerated condition.
He misses the commandment of Luke 6: 27-37
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
He finds freedom in disregarding human judgment yet disregards the requirement to forgive. Even if all women everywhere had harmed him, he (as it is with the rest of us) is required to forgive just as he has been forgiven.
To believe you can commit premeditated mass murder and still hope for heave in to abuse Grace. While we are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ alone and not by works, even forgiveness of our enemies, the evidence of our conversion (faith) is found in our ongoing pursuit of a life obedient to God's word. We cannot do whatever we wish and expect grace to cover it.
I know some might say, "Are you saying he's in Hell." It is never mine to say. That subject now, since he took his own life, is in God's hands. What I am saying is we have no way to be certain that he is in heaven as his life did not demonstrate the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. To say it another way, if you wish those you leave behind to have confidence in your salvation, your life must show the transforming work of Christ.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
--
Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
The Shooter at the Bridgeville LA Fitness wrote on his Blog, prior to the shootings.
"Maybe soon, I will see God and Jesus. At least that is what I was told. Eternal life does NOT depend on works. If it did, we will all be in hell. Christ paid for EVERY sin, so how can I or you be judged BY GOD for a sin when the penalty was ALREADY paid. People judge but that does not matter. I was reading the Bible and The Integrity of God beginning yesterday, because soon I will see them."
I will not post the link because I will not subject others to this man's evil. The quote above was mentioned on the news and that is sufficient to make the point.
Why do I blog this. Because it so struck me when I heard it on Fox News This Morning that I had to comment. Obviously this person had some facts right but chose to abuse grace.
He Knew: Christ Paid for every Sin...True in the sense that Christ's death is sufficient to cover any sin no matter how grievous.
Eternal life Does not depend on works...True.
However where he missed the point is that what we receive if we are truly in Christ is a regenerated Spirit where we are truly repentant of Sin and seek to avoid sin at whatever the cost. There is no repentant heart in the shooter's writings. The is a premeditated willingness to do others harm, to take life of those who had offended him by their very existence. There is a self absorbed focus on what he was not getting from others (women). None of these give us an confidence in this man's regenerated condition.
He misses the commandment of Luke 6: 27-37
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.He finds freedom in disregarding human judgment yet disregards the requirement to forgive. Even if all women everywhere had harmed him, he (as it is with the rest of us) is required to forgive just as he has been forgiven.
To believe you can commit premeditated mass murder and still hope for heave in to abuse Grace. While we are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ alone and not by works, even forgiveness of our enemies, the evidence of our conversion (faith) is found in our ongoing pursuit of a life obedient to God's word. We cannot do whatever we wish and expect grace to cover it.
I know some might say, "Are you saying he's in Hell." It is never mine to say. That subject now, since he took his own life, is in God's hands. What I am saying is we have no way to be certain that he is in heaven as his life did not demonstrate the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. To say it another way, if you wish those you leave behind to have confidence in your salvation, your life must show the transforming work of Christ.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
--
Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Ten Percent
Written a few weeks ago, just posting now.
Last night I had one of those events in ministry that falls into the ten percent category. As a pastor those events generally are invisible because many times they are at odd hours and are confidential. They only show up on a session report as something like "hospital visit:1" Why I call them the ten percent is because about ninety percent of what I do seems easy, sometimes, to me, too easy. Yet occasionally something comes alone, the one event in ten that really uses every last drop of my training, and pushes the limits of both talent and faith. Yet these are the events that also make ministry worthwhile. Sure preaching and worship is enjoyable, working with youth almost makes me feel guilty for how much fun it is, and who else gets the freedom to study God's Word, read great writers, and enjoy times of fellowship. But these challenging times, they are the ones that make me remember why I took this career in the first place and didn't just go for a nine to five with (hopefully) a dental plan.
--
Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
Last night I had one of those events in ministry that falls into the ten percent category. As a pastor those events generally are invisible because many times they are at odd hours and are confidential. They only show up on a session report as something like "hospital visit:1" Why I call them the ten percent is because about ninety percent of what I do seems easy, sometimes, to me, too easy. Yet occasionally something comes alone, the one event in ten that really uses every last drop of my training, and pushes the limits of both talent and faith. Yet these are the events that also make ministry worthwhile. Sure preaching and worship is enjoyable, working with youth almost makes me feel guilty for how much fun it is, and who else gets the freedom to study God's Word, read great writers, and enjoy times of fellowship. But these challenging times, they are the ones that make me remember why I took this career in the first place and didn't just go for a nine to five with (hopefully) a dental plan.
Likewise, you too may see life in certain seasons as a daily grind and an exercise in endurance. Even, from time to time you walk with God may become routine, even if "his mercies are new every morning." Yet there are those ten percent events where God uses you that remind you truly of the privilege of your calling, and God's Amazing grace that carries you through.
When you are deep in the ninety percent...remember... that "ten" is just around the corner.
Be Blessed. Be ready. Find Joy.
I'm going to ditch office hours now and take a nap. Leave a message...and my cell phone's on if it's really important.
In Christ and on the Shepherd's Path,
Mark
--
Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
test post
test post
--
Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
--
Rev Mark R. Simonds
Pastor, Oakdale UP Church
"Declaring Teaching and Living God's Word of Grace"
President, West Allegheny Ministerial Association
"Worshiping and Serving One Triune God Together"
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
When Losing Isn't...
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
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, 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
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