Showing posts with label Common Grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Common Grace. Show all posts

Monday, May 02, 2011

Deep Down Inside. . . .

When I was at The Gospel Coalition Conference, Tim Keller preached on the exodus. It's a phenomenal message, but here's a serious-yet-funny tidbit from the message:

"Now, there's another kind of bad parenting that I call self-esteemism. That's where you tell your child over and over again that you say, 'You can be anything you want. You can do anything you want.' You say, "Uh huh, I'm 23 years old. I'm 5'3". I'm 125 pounds. But, if you want to be an NFL linebacker, you just have to go for it with all you've got because you have to climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow.' And, when you do that to kids, they do grow up with this incredible sense of entitlement. And, it almost seems impossible to make them feel ashamed or guilty for anything. Yet, I don't believe you can put out what all human beings know - that we should be perfect (that we should love God, that we should love our neighbor)." (paraphrase)

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Common Grace Everywhere

God is such a wonderfully gracious God. I was reading in Acts and came across this passage. These verses remind me of God's great goodness and kindness towards people - intending that goodness to lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4).

In past generations [God] allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness. (Acts 14:16-17)

To me, these words are hugely encouraging. What are your thoughts?

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Hello, My Name Is Mr. Right. . . .

Here's a great article on what a true and godly marriage looks like: The Misery Caused by Foolish Husbands.

“For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cares for it, just as Christ also the church” (Eph. 5:29)

No one ever hated his own flesh, but those who treat their wives hatefully do so without realizing it. The fool exalts himself over his wife, mocks her, demands service, and speaks in derogatory ways of her. Without realizing it, such fools are hating themselves. They demean their wives and suffer the consequences: highlighting the flaws of their wives only causes their wives to become less attractive as they grow more bitter, more discouraged, more frightened, and more suspicious. A one-flesh union with a bitter, discouraged, frightened, suspicious woman is hardly pleasant. Fools hate themselves. And wives of fools will have a difficult time respecting and submitting to husbands who treat them hatefully. When fools present their wives to themselves, they get what they have created for themselves: misery. Only by the abundance of God’s common grace do fools get any blessing from the the wives they have abused. They have hated themselves. They suffer for it.

Compare that to our True Husband:

Here is a paradox: by sacrificing himself Christ wins for himself a glorious church. Jesus gains what is desirable from an undesirable death. The very things that selfish people desire for themselves–good things that are desired inordinately and sinfully–are the things that Jesus gains by being unselfish. The very things that keep men from behaving in an unselfish way, from being concerned for the welfare of their wives first, are gained by Christ because he was unselfish. A selfish husband desires to be served and satisfied by a glorious wife. By unselfishly giving himself for his wife, Christ creates for himself just such a wife.

James M. Hamilton, Jr., “The Mystery of Marriage,” in For the Fame of God’s Name.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Jesus Satisfying People's Hunger

Have you ever really wanted something to eat so bad, you could almost taste it? You go to a restaurant and you order that steak or burger or salad. You crave it while talking with your friends. The food arrives. You eat it. You're satisfied. Lunch was a success!

Have you ever had a similar situation regarding trials? You just want them to be over. The hunger pains for God don't go away. And, yet God doesn't seem to be coming to you. You may be learning some from His Word, but for some reason, God is making you wait.

This morning I read in Mark 8, and received some thoughts that I think were encouragements from the Holy Spirit.

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away." (Mark 8:1-3)

A couple of truths jumped out to me. The first of which is this: Jesus cares about people. Now, I know this shouldn't come as a shocker. But, many times I get a thought that Jesus just wants me to buck up, try harder, work God's approval. Obviously I often feel weak when these thoughts control me. So, in the margin of my Bible, I wrote, "Jesus cares when you're exasperated." The reason I wrote it that way is because Jesus was concerned not only that the people hadn't eaten food, but he was concerned at the consequences of that. In other words, if those people didn't eat on that day, they would faint. Their physical bodies would "give up."

This is the second truth I saw was this: Jesus could have fed the people on the first or second day. He could have fed them all of the days. But, He didn't. Instead, Jesus waited until they were in greater need for it.

The third truth? Jesus gave more than enough food to satisfy each person. "And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full."

Indulge me for a moment to spiritualize this. I know this isn't coming from this passage, but I think these are scriptural truths I'm sharing here.

If you find yourself in a dry season, just know that God knows what you can bear. You may be in the first day and your hunger for God is known through growling. You may be in the third day and you are getting worried about the spiritual journey ahead. You may not be growling for food, but you feel weak and you know if you take too many more steps, you'll faint. Just know this: Jesus cares. He cares what you're exasperated. He cares about you and doesn't want you to faint on your walk with Him. He knows how many "days" you can handle. And, also know this: while you might feel hungry now, there's going to be a time when he feeds you to the full and you will be satisfied with more than enough food (and then some).

Keep looking to the Savior who truly cares for you!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

"Christians at the Crossroads in the Public Square"

There are a lot of new books that have come out by conservative Christians regarding the role of the Christian in politics. If you don't have time to read an entire book, but would like a basic idea on a historical position of the Christian's involvement in the world around us, I came across one by Don Eberly. This is a great article on how Christians should view their role in the political, social and cultural sphere around us. The following are a few quotes to get you thinking.

Abolitionist William Wilberforce recognized the impossibility of passing or sustaining legislation to outlaw the slave trade without first bringing about widespread reformation of manners and morals in society. . . .

Christians can be heard referring excitedly to their evangelical contacts at the top of the power heap in Washington,, such as the entire leadership of the House of Representatives. The fact that not one evangelical can be identified running a cultural institution such as CNN, NPR, a secular philanthropy, or a Hollywood film studio, is never even a matter of conversation, much less concerted action. The unmistakable inference from this preoccupation with legal matters is that society and culture are subsidiaries of the state, not vice versa, a belief, which if actually held, is a dangerous heresy. . . .

In no place in the New Testament is the slightest suggestion given that Christians should attempt to commandeer political or governmental institutions. In the brief New Testament passages that even address the issue, believers are called to submit to and respect "every authority" without a hint that they be worthy of respect as a precondition. . . .

The founders framed a constitutional republic, predicated upon a rather thin theism, not a muscular, prescriptive Christianity. Perhaps in doing this they were acknowledging that New Covenant Christianity is about the redemption of elect individuals, not special covenant relations with elect nations. . . .

. . . anytime we embellish a particular cultural, political, or moral agenda with the authority of the Christian Gospel, the result is a manifestation of "works-righteousness" which is "ipso facto, an act of apostasy." . . .

The idea, says C.S. Lewis, "that Christianity brought a new ethical code into the world is a grave error." Lewis adds, Christianity's founder and early followers "came demanding repentance and offering forgiveness in Christ, a demand and an offer both meaningless except on the assumption of a moral law already known and already broken. Moral law, along with numerous other facts of our existence, including the institutions of marriage, the family, the state, the social order, all came to us via God's creation, and are thus a part of his common grace." . . .

[Alexis de Tocqueville] said religion "exercises but little influence upon the laws and upon the details of public opinion; but it directs the customs of community and by regulating domestic life, it regulates the states." The clergymen, he said, were careful to preserve the unique and honored station they occupied in society. Ministers of the Gospel "eschewed all parties," filled no public appointments, and were "excluded by public opinion" from serving in political roles.

Interested in more? Click here to read the entire article.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Come Ye Sinners, Part 6

"Let not conscience make you linger,
Not of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him."

If we are to go to God with a right spirit, we must always understand our need of Him. The problem is that human beings constantly try to make themselves look better than they really are. Yes, it's true that we're created in God's image, and human beings do accomplish great things. But, it's also true that we're marred. And, from a spiritual perspective, we do no good apart from God. Even from a purely physical perspective, we have to admit that since a God exists, we are completely dependent on Him. Therefore, "In him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28a). There is nothing that we can do apart from God's common and/or saving grace working in our lives.

So, what does this have to do with this final stanza of "Come Ye Sinners"? The first two lines share the sinful desire of human beings. When the author says "Let not conscience make you linger," the word has a different connotation than what you may think in today's vernacular. Conscience means: " the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good." Therefore, the first two lines are almost synonymous statements. Basically put, stop thinking that you have or ever will attain to God's standard.

Why?

Think about it. If you depend on yourself for your own salvation, who are you glorifying? If you sit at home and worry about whether you've done enough to earn God's approval, who are you really trying to please and honor? God or you? This is suggested in the last two lines. God requires something, but it's not what you can bring to the table. It's what He can bring to the table.

You have needs. He has fulfillment. You have brokenness. He has wholeness. You have guilt. He has forgiveness.

All that God requires is that you feel, deep in your being, your need of Him. It's at that moment that a sinner also knows the deep mystery of being one of God's children - a saint.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Wedding

Tonight my wife and I went to a wedding. We've been to two within the past month, and they have been wonderful. At tonight's wedding, the bride danced with her dad.

I cried.

One of the reasons I cried was because I have a little baby girl and I know that, all too quickly, she's going to grow up. Someday she's going to come home with a boyfriend (after I've thoroughly interrogated him), and then she'll come home with an engagement ring, and then she'll be saying "I Do" at the altar.

After the dad and his daughter danced, I thought about going up to the dad and saying, "How did you not burst into tears with your daughter?" But I refrained. Then I "philosophized" in my head. Here were some of my thoughts (and some added thoughts as I write):

There is a LOT of pain in rearing children. There are a lot of difficulties, times of guilt and sadness. There are times when the parents don't know if they're doing anything right. But, in all of that, raising children is worth it.

The reason?

Ultimately it teaches you more about God and his undying love for his children. The fact that having children is difficult should never be a deterrent to anyone because raising children is worth it. As a Christian, we can experience and learn more about God and his grace in a variety of ways. And, as a human being, we can have a greater depth of personal relationships that we would completely miss out on if we didn't have children.

So, children are DEFINITELY a treasure from God. Cherish them. Delight in them. And, remember, even in the difficult times, it's worth it. God strengthens and teaches Christians through those times. And, for any human being, it's worth it because God still is revealing his kindness and grace through allowing you to have deeper and more fulfilling relationships on this earth.

Monday, April 26, 2010

God's Grace vs. any other kind of grace. . . .

Did you see this last night on my facebook status?

"Isaiah: 'And you know what - God's grace is better than regular grace!'"

I wanted to take a little bit of your time to explain why he said that. Last night, Samuel was upset about some things. We teach our children that disobedience and obedience brings different consequences. Samuel got a consequence. He couldn't have his drink in bed with him.

But, I also knew that Samuel was tired and was just not thinking straight, too. So, I went in a little later and I gave Samuel his drink. Isaiah responded by saying that disobedience hurts. And, I said, "Yes, but I can also give grace, too."

So, there you have it, folks. That led Isaiah to say his very profound statement. What he was seeming to say was, "Yeah, dad, your grace is good. But, guess what?! God's grace is even better!"

And, isn't that the point of doing good works? Isn't it so that our children (or other people around us) might "get it" and then glorify God. I was blessed to hear my son talk about God after seeing me display my piddly human grace.

Praise the Lord!

Monday, March 19, 2007

My Life

I feel bad because I haven't posted in a while; however, as everyone else, I've been quite busy with this, that and the other thing!

Thankfully, that busyness has not caused me to run further from God. Instead, in the midst of this busyness, I've been drawing closer to God.

Currently, I'm reading through several books (as you can see in the side panel) and I'm blessed by each of them in different ways. On Wednesday nights, I'm going through the "Don't Waste Your Life" study with our teens. We're on our third week and I've definitely been learning. It's amazing how one point will just stick in your head to meditate on. And, I've learned, through Packer's book that this is one means by which God speaks to us. He implants certain things in our mind and teaches us specific truths so that we can grow and seek His glory with even greater fervor!

I'm extremely blessed.

Here are several reasons for me saying that (I'd encourage you to write down some blessings, too, so that you think on God's favor towards you, His child):

1. I'm learning from God.

2. God has allowed me to catch a glimpse of some beautiful fruit in the teens lives. This past weekend was even more than the icing on the cake. We had an all-night prayer on Friday night. To be honest, I was praying that God would meet us, but I never expected what did happen: we literally spent hours praying, praising and meditating on God! It was beautiful and I was blessed to be a part of it.

3. We also had a missions trip meeting on Sunday - what a blessing to see the teens growing in spiritual unity and desiring to seek after God. Oh, how beautiful.

4. I have a wonderful wife and joy-producing boys. In the midst of my ministry-life and all the non-glamorous moments, God has used my family to point me to the things that really matter. (Thank you, Tracy, for your patience, love, perseverance, joy, etc.)

5. I have people lifting me up in prayer. I'm convinced that nothing truly great can happen without prayer, and I am honored that people are praying for me.

There are a myriad of other reasons to be thankful, too, but these are just a few. Praise God for His gracious blessings!

To God Alone Be The Glory!

Friday, September 01, 2006

Common Grace

Common Grace: Interesting phrase. A lot of my posts deal with this subject. However, I've never referred to that phrase yet.

What is common grace, you might ask? Common grace is specifically meant for all of humankind. It's what no man deserves (Rom. 6:23); however, every man receives it at different levels throughout their lifetime on this earth.

Notice Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV) - "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

This passage gives us ample enough reason for us to love other people. Not only has Christ's death covered all of my sins (and all of those who believe and will believe) and given me a righteous standing before the Father , but God is gracious to those who are "hard and impenitent" on this earth. The fact that God not only holds back His wrath but also gives food, clothing, a house, car, a nice annual salary, etc., is a sign of grace to them. However, the unsaved world doesn't see it that way. They either see God's wrath and are angered by it or they dumb down God's justice by saying they can appease it by their works (Rom. 2).

However, in all of this, God is still immensely gracious to them. As you saw in the passage above, God sends rain and the sun on the just and the unjust! God allows people to enjoy His creation (even though they choose to reject Him), and He grants them many blessings on this earth.

The big differrence now between the Christian and the non-Christian is that the true believer can see God's common grace and give thanks. Passages like Eph 5:4 & 1 Thess. 5:18 are clear that one of the Spirit-birthed tools the believer's struggle with sin is fought through a Christ-saturated thankfulness.

The non-believer cannot be truly thankful for Christ because they do not possess Him, but the believer can be thankful because of the indwelling Spirit (Rom. 8, Gal. 5:17ff).

The sad part of all of this is that while God grants more and more common grace to unbeliever's, they take it for granted and only want more. Their heart only fills with more and more coveteousness. They don't look to God for saving grace. They merely take Him for granted and command that He give them more.

May we all look to God's common grace and learn that we too must imitate Him as children, but may we first be amazed that He would be even more gracious to the world!

On this note of common grace, I want to add that I am truly thankful for the grace gift of my family! Here's a new picture of the four of us....