Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Sunday at Lord of Life is BYOB (Bring your own Bible) Sunday. We are beginning the second part of our message series www.jesus.me. WWW stands for Worship, Word, and Work. We are speaking to the importance of balancing these different aspects of our walk of faith.
The second w is for Word. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 verse tells us to let the Word of Christ to dwell in us richly. The Bible is the best selling book of all time. In fact it is the best selling book every year.
Unfortunately, it is not always the best read book. So often it sits as a decoration on our bookshelves and coffee tables. So many Bible are being used as decorations rather than as tools and weapons.
The book of Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is a sharper than a double edge sword. There are many who believe the Bible is God's Word and that it is truth. But where I believe there may be a disconnect is believing that the Bible is useful.
Do we believe the Bible is useful? Do we believe that the knowledge of and faith in God's Word makes a difference? That it will give us wisdom to make decisions? Comfort us in times of sorrow? Give us hope and provision in times of doubt and need? Lead us to salvation from whatever it is that we need to be saved from? If we believe this to be true, we need to let the Word dwell richly in us.
The question we need to ask - are we rich in God's Word or are we poor in God's Word? Is God's Word something that is abundant in us or is it something that is sparse? Is God's Word something you are easy able to share or is it something that comes more difficult?
I read this interesting quote yesterday. It comes from a book entitled God's Grand Vision for the Home by Dr. Rob Rienow:
"What would real life look like if we loved God with everything? We would talk with God in prayer throughout the day, speaking to Him and listening to what He says to us through His Word. We would sense a deep peace in our hearts, even when our lives seem to be falling apart. We would be drawn to reading our Bibles, more powerfully than we are drawn to hobbies or the TV. (I would add the Internet) We would seek to be obedient to God in every area of our lives and hate our sin. Our hearts would be filled with compassion for those in need, and we would feel a sense of urgency to share the gospel with those who don't know Christ. Do these things describe your life? These things are not always true of me . . . but I wish they were."
I believe that is the picture of Colossians 3.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Our Children will Emulate Us
On Sunday I shared in my message that our children will emulate us whether good or bad. As you may or may not know, I love photography. Here is an example of my daughter looking to emulate her daddy. I pray the examples I set for her will be honoring of Jesus.
She is still learning. Not sure how well this picture will turn out with her fingers over the lens. We have lots of pictures of the ceiling so far.
She is still learning. Not sure how well this picture will turn out with her fingers over the lens. We have lots of pictures of the ceiling so far.
Hollow and Deceptive Teaching
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than Christ. Colossians 2:8
Yesterday, I spoke to the importance of observing the fulness of God's Word. Today's verse falls along a similar yet different theme. The theme here is about throwing away the chaff that looks for legitimacy outside of God's Word. I have shared with our church in the past that just because something is labeled Christian does not mean that it is Christian.
There is hollow teaching with appears on the surface to be good teaching, but is not founded or rooted in God's Word. An example of such a teaching is: "God helps those who help themselves." It sounds good, but it is a hollow teaching. It is not Biblical in fact it stands totally contrary to the Biblical concept of grace.
Then there is deceptive teaching. Deceptive teaching is sinister. Examples of this include the mixing of evolution and creation. It also includes things such as the Jesus Tomb documentary and the whole DaVinci Code deception.
As Christians we need to be on guard against hollow and deceptive teachings. Taking the cue from Ephesians 6 we put on the full armor of God to take our stand against the devils schemes. Without the full armor we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack and less able to defend ourselves.
In Christ we have all we need. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Diety lives in bodily form and you have beeen given the fullness of Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:9-10 We have no reason to look any farther.
Yesterday, I spoke to the importance of observing the fulness of God's Word. Today's verse falls along a similar yet different theme. The theme here is about throwing away the chaff that looks for legitimacy outside of God's Word. I have shared with our church in the past that just because something is labeled Christian does not mean that it is Christian.
There is hollow teaching with appears on the surface to be good teaching, but is not founded or rooted in God's Word. An example of such a teaching is: "God helps those who help themselves." It sounds good, but it is a hollow teaching. It is not Biblical in fact it stands totally contrary to the Biblical concept of grace.
Then there is deceptive teaching. Deceptive teaching is sinister. Examples of this include the mixing of evolution and creation. It also includes things such as the Jesus Tomb documentary and the whole DaVinci Code deception.
As Christians we need to be on guard against hollow and deceptive teachings. Taking the cue from Ephesians 6 we put on the full armor of God to take our stand against the devils schemes. Without the full armor we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack and less able to defend ourselves.
In Christ we have all we need. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Diety lives in bodily form and you have beeen given the fullness of Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:9-10 We have no reason to look any farther.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Fullness of the Word
I have become it's (the church's) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the Word of God in its fullness - the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. Colossians 1:25-26
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
Today, I began reading the Book of Jeremiah and the Epistle to the Colossians. While the first chapter of Jeremiah focused on Jeremiah's calling as a prophet, the first chapter of Colossians focused on Paul's commissioning as an apostle.
While these are two distinct offices, there is a similar calling in that both are called to present the Word of God in all its fullness. Not part of God's Word, but all of God's Word. Not just the parts that are easy to preach and teach, but all of God's Word. Even the parts that are difficult!
It is sometimes easy to approach God's Word cafeteria style. We take what we like, and leave behind that which we don't like as much. But I do not believe this is honoring of the Lord nor does it bring him glory. Here are a few words of caution:
1. Avoid soapbox preaching.
At Lord of Life we preach topically, using message series. This approach allows us to preach on subjects that are relevant at the time. However, with this comes the danger of soapbox preaching. It becomes easy to repeat the same themes, same illustrations, and same points not out of necessity but out of having too narrow a focus.
Many themes are repeated in the Scriptures. And we can repeat certain themes. But we need to be cautious that they are God's themes and not ours.
2. Avoid happy-feel-good preaching
God's Word is divided Law and Gospel. There are times when the Law is relevant and there are times when the Gospel is relevant. There is a time to preach to the condemnation of a sin and a time to preach to the forgiveness of a sin.
Just look at the preaching of Jesus. Jesus did not always preach happy-feel-good. Think about Jesus condemnation of the disciples for arguing who was the greatest, his condemnation of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and the condemnation of Peter for denying him. Keep in mind however, that Jesus was quick to forgive and to welcome the sinner back into his arms.
3. Expose yourself to all of Scripture
We all have our favorite verses and favorite books of the Bible. I have never been much into reading the prophets and the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. But I have developed a tremendous appreciation of the Psalms over the past few years.
What I really get into is the historical books of the Bible. I enjoy history and also being able to travel to historical sites. I would not have minded if the Bible was nothing more than the historical books of the Old Testament along with the Gospels and the book of Acts. But the Bible is more than just these books alone.
As preachers we need to expose ourselves to all of Scripture and not just the portions we enjoy the most.
4. Preach the Word
I remember when I was in seminary, I received as a gift a book on sermon illustrations. It made preaching seem so simple. All I had to do was go to the index of this book and look up the text I was preaching. There I could find four or five illustrations to use for my message.
Today, we have use of the Internet. If you are preaching on forgiveness, all you need to do is do a Google search and you will have more information than you could possibly want for a half hour message.
But that is not our calling. We are called to preach the Word. God's Word is more creative than anything you will ever find on the Internet. After all, it was God's Word that created everything we see.
In God's Word we have everything we have been called to say. Allow the Word of God to speak. Spend time with God's Word. The more time you spend with God's Word the more you will have that is worthwhile to say.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
Today, I began reading the Book of Jeremiah and the Epistle to the Colossians. While the first chapter of Jeremiah focused on Jeremiah's calling as a prophet, the first chapter of Colossians focused on Paul's commissioning as an apostle.
While these are two distinct offices, there is a similar calling in that both are called to present the Word of God in all its fullness. Not part of God's Word, but all of God's Word. Not just the parts that are easy to preach and teach, but all of God's Word. Even the parts that are difficult!
It is sometimes easy to approach God's Word cafeteria style. We take what we like, and leave behind that which we don't like as much. But I do not believe this is honoring of the Lord nor does it bring him glory. Here are a few words of caution:
1. Avoid soapbox preaching.
At Lord of Life we preach topically, using message series. This approach allows us to preach on subjects that are relevant at the time. However, with this comes the danger of soapbox preaching. It becomes easy to repeat the same themes, same illustrations, and same points not out of necessity but out of having too narrow a focus.
Many themes are repeated in the Scriptures. And we can repeat certain themes. But we need to be cautious that they are God's themes and not ours.
2. Avoid happy-feel-good preaching
God's Word is divided Law and Gospel. There are times when the Law is relevant and there are times when the Gospel is relevant. There is a time to preach to the condemnation of a sin and a time to preach to the forgiveness of a sin.
Just look at the preaching of Jesus. Jesus did not always preach happy-feel-good. Think about Jesus condemnation of the disciples for arguing who was the greatest, his condemnation of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and the condemnation of Peter for denying him. Keep in mind however, that Jesus was quick to forgive and to welcome the sinner back into his arms.
3. Expose yourself to all of Scripture
We all have our favorite verses and favorite books of the Bible. I have never been much into reading the prophets and the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. But I have developed a tremendous appreciation of the Psalms over the past few years.
What I really get into is the historical books of the Bible. I enjoy history and also being able to travel to historical sites. I would not have minded if the Bible was nothing more than the historical books of the Old Testament along with the Gospels and the book of Acts. But the Bible is more than just these books alone.
As preachers we need to expose ourselves to all of Scripture and not just the portions we enjoy the most.
4. Preach the Word
I remember when I was in seminary, I received as a gift a book on sermon illustrations. It made preaching seem so simple. All I had to do was go to the index of this book and look up the text I was preaching. There I could find four or five illustrations to use for my message.
Today, we have use of the Internet. If you are preaching on forgiveness, all you need to do is do a Google search and you will have more information than you could possibly want for a half hour message.
But that is not our calling. We are called to preach the Word. God's Word is more creative than anything you will ever find on the Internet. After all, it was God's Word that created everything we see.
In God's Word we have everything we have been called to say. Allow the Word of God to speak. Spend time with God's Word. The more time you spend with God's Word the more you will have that is worthwhile to say.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
I will tell of the kindness of the Lord
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us- yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7
Today, I finished reading through the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a book that has often intrigued me. In one moment Isaiah is prophesying God's wrath and judgment with the coming destruction he plans to bring on the people. Yet, in the next moment Isaiah is prophesying God's undeserved grace and mercy with the restoration he plans to usher in.
Isaiah is a great study on the distinction of Law and Gospel and the delicate balance we are to hold between the two. In short, the Law shows us our sin and the consequences of our sin. The Gospel shows us our Savior and the hope he brings. The two work in concert with each other and are critically important for the salvation story.
We need both Law and Gospel. Without the Law we would not recognize our need for the Savior. Unless I realize that I am a sinner and the consequences of my sin, how could I recognize my need for Jesus. The Law is not a bad thing, but a good thing.
This brings me to this verse for today from Isaiah 63:7 - "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord . . . " This verse has both Law and Gospel in it. It speaks to God's expectations of us (The Law) but also reminds us of his goodness (The Gospel).
I take a couple of things away from this verse:
First, we need to do this. We need to be bold and willing to tell our story and about the goodness of the Lord in our lives. We need to wear Jesus on our sleeves. Not be ashamed! Who cares what others think. Jesus saved my life and makes all the difference in the world.
The second thing I take away from this is that we are called to simply witness God's kindnesses in our lives. We can tell others what Jesus has done for us. Our calling is not necessarily to defend Jesus. Jesus can defend himself. We are not called to argue in God's behalf. Just tell all that the Lord has done for us.
God has been good to me. He has called me to be a servant in his church. He has given me a great family and great friends. He has saved me from all my sins. In every moment of trial and need he has always provided and never let me down. He has filled my life with joy. He has provided people to speak words of encouragement and also words of conviction at the right and proper time. I live content because I know that God is in control.
Thank you Jesus for your kindness in my life!
Today, I finished reading through the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a book that has often intrigued me. In one moment Isaiah is prophesying God's wrath and judgment with the coming destruction he plans to bring on the people. Yet, in the next moment Isaiah is prophesying God's undeserved grace and mercy with the restoration he plans to usher in.
Isaiah is a great study on the distinction of Law and Gospel and the delicate balance we are to hold between the two. In short, the Law shows us our sin and the consequences of our sin. The Gospel shows us our Savior and the hope he brings. The two work in concert with each other and are critically important for the salvation story.
We need both Law and Gospel. Without the Law we would not recognize our need for the Savior. Unless I realize that I am a sinner and the consequences of my sin, how could I recognize my need for Jesus. The Law is not a bad thing, but a good thing.
This brings me to this verse for today from Isaiah 63:7 - "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord . . . " This verse has both Law and Gospel in it. It speaks to God's expectations of us (The Law) but also reminds us of his goodness (The Gospel).
I take a couple of things away from this verse:
First, we need to do this. We need to be bold and willing to tell our story and about the goodness of the Lord in our lives. We need to wear Jesus on our sleeves. Not be ashamed! Who cares what others think. Jesus saved my life and makes all the difference in the world.
The second thing I take away from this is that we are called to simply witness God's kindnesses in our lives. We can tell others what Jesus has done for us. Our calling is not necessarily to defend Jesus. Jesus can defend himself. We are not called to argue in God's behalf. Just tell all that the Lord has done for us.
God has been good to me. He has called me to be a servant in his church. He has given me a great family and great friends. He has saved me from all my sins. In every moment of trial and need he has always provided and never let me down. He has filled my life with joy. He has provided people to speak words of encouragement and also words of conviction at the right and proper time. I live content because I know that God is in control.
Thank you Jesus for your kindness in my life!
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Gift of Worship
I have had a number of requests about his video I showed in my message on Sunday. So here you go:
Cheap Grace
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
One of my all time favorite quotes outside of the Scriptures is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany. He was killed during the closing days of World War II having been arrested for taking part in a plot to assasinate Hitler.
In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, he writes, "Grace is free, but it is not cheap."
I think that is what Paul is getting at in this verse from Philippians. Jesus' sacrifice upon the cross was a tremendous sacrifice not to be taken for granted. It was a heavy price the Jesus paid for us. He went to such tremendous lengths. Jesus saved our lives.
With that in mind, how can we set aside Jesus presence in our lives? How can we turn our back on his instruction?
Sure Jesus will forgive our sins, but the cross is about more than forgiveness of sins alone. The cross is about everything.
I pray I will gladly take up my cross, because I know Jesus has already taken up his cross for me.
One of my all time favorite quotes outside of the Scriptures is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany. He was killed during the closing days of World War II having been arrested for taking part in a plot to assasinate Hitler.
In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, he writes, "Grace is free, but it is not cheap."
I think that is what Paul is getting at in this verse from Philippians. Jesus' sacrifice upon the cross was a tremendous sacrifice not to be taken for granted. It was a heavy price the Jesus paid for us. He went to such tremendous lengths. Jesus saved our lives.
With that in mind, how can we set aside Jesus presence in our lives? How can we turn our back on his instruction?
Sure Jesus will forgive our sins, but the cross is about more than forgiveness of sins alone. The cross is about everything.
I pray I will gladly take up my cross, because I know Jesus has already taken up his cross for me.
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