Why is it that despite the amazing gift of salvation and the love and provision of God that we as growing believers still wish for the things of this world. Perhaps this is because I have not grown spiritually as much as I wish I had so far or perhaps my focus is in the wrong places. God has called us to a different lifestyle than those that do not know him as their Savior. When you are around unsaved individuals that are quite content in their situation and "enjoying life to the fullest" by their standards, I wish to have that same fulfillment that they have in their instant gratification of any desire they have. Whether our desires are the use of our money for useless items, for drinking to the point of not remembering anything and letting go of all self control and not worrying about any consequences, to whatever desire comes into your mind.
Why don't we(maybe its just me) continually feel fulfilled in God's promises and what blessing he has given us for now? Please share your thoughts.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Internship
Just wanted to give you guys an update on my life. I'm at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, happily serving as an intern. Today was our first day and it was great. The leaders are wonderful, the congregation is mature, the fellow interns are humble and serious. I wish you all could be here with me doing this internship. You would all love it immensely. And married guys can do it! I would seriously encourage any of you to consider doing this. Especially you, Jared, because you aren't starting seminary or moving to Mexico any time soon. There's that for what it's worth. If you want, make a visit for a weekend and you guys can see what you think.
ANYWAY! I would love to hear what's going on in your lives. I realize a lot of things are going for a few of you. I love and miss you guys.
ANYWAY! I would love to hear what's going on in your lives. I realize a lot of things are going for a few of you. I love and miss you guys.
Friday, July 18, 2008
To initiate or participate? That is the question.
"He does not care to serve the Good, but to have the advantage of regarding it as a fruit of conquest... He wills that the Good shall triumph through him, that he shall be the instrument, he the chosen one... He cannot, he will not, humbly understand that the Good can get on without him."
In chapter six, "Barriers to Willing One Thing: Egocentric Service to the Good," Kierkegaard addresses the man who wills the Good just so he can add more notch to the belt. This double-minded man reveals his character by his pride and lust for recognition. He is not simply satisfied with participating in the providential will of God in history.
One of the back cover reviews writes, "To read this book with care is to know oneself pursued by 'The Hound of Heaven'." God really has been pursuing me through this book. God has been teaching me and challenging me in innumerable ways through S.K.'s book. This chapter, in particular, has caused me to take stock of my motives in service to God. Would I be satisfied with the role of the servant whose accomplishments aren't recognized this side of eternity? I have to realize that eternity's reward is infinitely better than any earthly recognition or reward. However, to do so requires patience - an immense amount. Impatience leads to desiring the victory of the Good in a temporal and selfish sense - desiring it through self. It fails to realize that "eternally the Good has always been victorious."
In essence, I'm reminded of Dr. Shu's challenge to us. (I don't remember which class.) I do clearly remember him challenging us to think through whether we believe we are here on this earth to intiate or participate. This challenge has honestly been on my mind the last year or so since he gave it. I've certainly come to the conclusion that I'm here to participate: to participate in the infinitely wise and expansive plan of God. However, in the temporal sense, filled with pride and worldly lust, the norm is to initiate. The world looks for leaders who get things done, people who make a difference in the here and now. Initiation is a moment, a constant change at the mercy of public opinion. Participation interacts with the eternal, a patient humility that actively realizes that God's plan is higher than ours.
One of the greatest benefits of this work, I believe, is the deep, soul-searching insights into motivation. What drives my service to God? In his efforts to write this book, he was not simply propogating an individualism that would ultimately morph into what we now know as existentialism; he was inciting believers to view their true selves in light of absolute solitude with God. Oddly enough, not a bad idea.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8
In chapter six, "Barriers to Willing One Thing: Egocentric Service to the Good," Kierkegaard addresses the man who wills the Good just so he can add more notch to the belt. This double-minded man reveals his character by his pride and lust for recognition. He is not simply satisfied with participating in the providential will of God in history.
One of the back cover reviews writes, "To read this book with care is to know oneself pursued by 'The Hound of Heaven'." God really has been pursuing me through this book. God has been teaching me and challenging me in innumerable ways through S.K.'s book. This chapter, in particular, has caused me to take stock of my motives in service to God. Would I be satisfied with the role of the servant whose accomplishments aren't recognized this side of eternity? I have to realize that eternity's reward is infinitely better than any earthly recognition or reward. However, to do so requires patience - an immense amount. Impatience leads to desiring the victory of the Good in a temporal and selfish sense - desiring it through self. It fails to realize that "eternally the Good has always been victorious."
In essence, I'm reminded of Dr. Shu's challenge to us. (I don't remember which class.) I do clearly remember him challenging us to think through whether we believe we are here on this earth to intiate or participate. This challenge has honestly been on my mind the last year or so since he gave it. I've certainly come to the conclusion that I'm here to participate: to participate in the infinitely wise and expansive plan of God. However, in the temporal sense, filled with pride and worldly lust, the norm is to initiate. The world looks for leaders who get things done, people who make a difference in the here and now. Initiation is a moment, a constant change at the mercy of public opinion. Participation interacts with the eternal, a patient humility that actively realizes that God's plan is higher than ours.
One of the greatest benefits of this work, I believe, is the deep, soul-searching insights into motivation. What drives my service to God? In his efforts to write this book, he was not simply propogating an individualism that would ultimately morph into what we now know as existentialism; he was inciting believers to view their true selves in light of absolute solitude with God. Oddly enough, not a bad idea.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thoughts on Our Context
I am almost through reading Timothy George's "Theology of the Reformers," and a continuing stream of thought in the book is the considering of the contexts out of which these men emerged. It should be made clear that this is not to say that these men are merely the product of an age or that culture and society shape people - that is hardly the case. Yet we should understand that these men were shaped (positively and negatively) by the ideas and movements of their time. Certainly they did not acquiesce to every stream of thought or to every principle of an ideology. It cannot be denied however that men always must address, act and react according to the major movers of the age. Moreover, the authors, theologians and philosophers of the past that we choose to interact with also shape us as we embrace or articulately reject their assertions.
What I wanted to highlight for us as budding theologians/thinkers is the personal respect in which this same principle is active. In other words, we are very much the product of the contexts that we live in or deliberately choose to participate. And consequently the shape or emphasis of our particular ministries, writings and lives are the result of the choices we make as we interact with these men. A short but recent example would be our college experience. Principally, we sat under Colin and Dr. Shumaker, who invariably have shaped our thinking in ways we do and do not yet recognize. A cursory examination of our discussions, writings and conversations reveal this. I have found it interesting to connect the thoughts and desires and actions of my current life to past events and experiences. Of course, the Guide, Mover and Example of our life intersects with each of these events and shapes us as He wills after the image of His Son. Through His revealed will (the Word) and through the mysteries of His providence He surely works to shape us. As we recount our lives and consider His ways, we find at least two simple responses. First, a humble gratitude that we know and understand Him in a redemptive way. Secondly, the responsibility incumbent upon us to act, react, think and move in the context of thinkers and ideas in which we participate.
What I wanted to highlight for us as budding theologians/thinkers is the personal respect in which this same principle is active. In other words, we are very much the product of the contexts that we live in or deliberately choose to participate. And consequently the shape or emphasis of our particular ministries, writings and lives are the result of the choices we make as we interact with these men. A short but recent example would be our college experience. Principally, we sat under Colin and Dr. Shumaker, who invariably have shaped our thinking in ways we do and do not yet recognize. A cursory examination of our discussions, writings and conversations reveal this. I have found it interesting to connect the thoughts and desires and actions of my current life to past events and experiences. Of course, the Guide, Mover and Example of our life intersects with each of these events and shapes us as He wills after the image of His Son. Through His revealed will (the Word) and through the mysteries of His providence He surely works to shape us. As we recount our lives and consider His ways, we find at least two simple responses. First, a humble gratitude that we know and understand Him in a redemptive way. Secondly, the responsibility incumbent upon us to act, react, think and move in the context of thinkers and ideas in which we participate.
Preaching
Brothers,
This Sunday July 20th, I will have the opportunity to preach at a small church plant. I would like to ask for your prayers in preparation for the sermon, delievery, and that I would be open to the Lord's teaching. I am excited about this sermon because it is my first opportunity to preach without basing any portion of the message on any message that I have done in a Preaching class. My passage is 1 Cor. 7:17-24.
As a second note I am still planning on being off-campus this year at BBC. I think I have found a roommate or two, but now we need to find an apartment. I will be trying to get specific details in the next few weeks.(I hope)
This Sunday July 20th, I will have the opportunity to preach at a small church plant. I would like to ask for your prayers in preparation for the sermon, delievery, and that I would be open to the Lord's teaching. I am excited about this sermon because it is my first opportunity to preach without basing any portion of the message on any message that I have done in a Preaching class. My passage is 1 Cor. 7:17-24.
As a second note I am still planning on being off-campus this year at BBC. I think I have found a roommate or two, but now we need to find an apartment. I will be trying to get specific details in the next few weeks.(I hope)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mexico City Here We Come
Upon Colby's request, I am posting an article to update you guys about our upcoming venture to Mexico.
The hand of God has been clearly evident as plans and finances come together. We have already received about $5,000 in support, and more churches have indicated that they will also give. It's truly great to experience firsthand the charity and love of the Body of Christ. I also had a great conversation with my landlord last night as well. She is a godly lady (even a Baptist), and she is going to try to find someone to fill our apartment by the end of August, so that we will even get our security deposit back. She is also connecting us to a Mexican family here in Hatfield who will be moving back to Mexico at the same time Hannah and I do. They are Seventh Day Adventist and the husband is a lay pastor, but she fears that when they move back, they may get discouraged and drift away from God.
Beyond that, my dad and I have been working out a schedule for our time down there. I will have the oppurtunity to preach and teach in the two churches my dad is pastoring. I'll be preaching at least once a month in both churches, and helping to teach in the new church plant. Hannah will be helping my mom in some of her ministries, and she will be focused on intensive Spanish language study.
Hannah and I have been praying that this oppurtunity will strengthen our resolve to serve God in Mexico City. We also hope and pray that we will grow closer to the Lord and closer to each other. Personally, I've been praying that I would be sensitive to Hannah in her transition to Mexico City. While I've been through the whole process before, this will be entirely new for Hannah.
If you could be praying for us, Hannah and I would really appreciate it. We still have some details to work out on the state side, so pray that those would fall into place. Our tentative date for departure is August 18th, and Lord willing we will be there until at least January. I'll continue to keep you updated, but that's all for now. Love you guys.
The hand of God has been clearly evident as plans and finances come together. We have already received about $5,000 in support, and more churches have indicated that they will also give. It's truly great to experience firsthand the charity and love of the Body of Christ. I also had a great conversation with my landlord last night as well. She is a godly lady (even a Baptist), and she is going to try to find someone to fill our apartment by the end of August, so that we will even get our security deposit back. She is also connecting us to a Mexican family here in Hatfield who will be moving back to Mexico at the same time Hannah and I do. They are Seventh Day Adventist and the husband is a lay pastor, but she fears that when they move back, they may get discouraged and drift away from God.
Beyond that, my dad and I have been working out a schedule for our time down there. I will have the oppurtunity to preach and teach in the two churches my dad is pastoring. I'll be preaching at least once a month in both churches, and helping to teach in the new church plant. Hannah will be helping my mom in some of her ministries, and she will be focused on intensive Spanish language study.
Hannah and I have been praying that this oppurtunity will strengthen our resolve to serve God in Mexico City. We also hope and pray that we will grow closer to the Lord and closer to each other. Personally, I've been praying that I would be sensitive to Hannah in her transition to Mexico City. While I've been through the whole process before, this will be entirely new for Hannah.
If you could be praying for us, Hannah and I would really appreciate it. We still have some details to work out on the state side, so pray that those would fall into place. Our tentative date for departure is August 18th, and Lord willing we will be there until at least January. I'll continue to keep you updated, but that's all for now. Love you guys.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Reformers and Moleskin
Hey guys, just wanted to contribute a few things from my readings and doings. One of the reasons I am slowly poking along in S.K. is because I have three books to read before my internship begins. I am on my last one and it is called "Theology of the Reformers" by Timothy George. Some interesting thoughts have struck me as I have read about Luther and now Zwingli:
First of all, these reformers all had a high view of God. These are surely the greatest accomplishment of the Reformation - The reclaiming of the supremecy of the Word, Christ and God's sovereignty. Each of the reformers also had their mistakes. It is encouraging to see their humanity and shortcomings amidst a great movement of God. Even theologically speaking, the men of the reformation did not completely conform to Biblical theology (in my estimation). However, the culture, society and church from which they were emerging was such that we should be very grateful for the indelible marks they made in church history and the spirit of reformation they passed on to us. "Semper Reforma" (always reforming) is one of the commonly forgotten mantras of the reformation that we should continue to practice.
On another note, I have acquired a few moleskin notebooks/journals for this internship. While my emotions toward these notebooks and those who owned them have been mixed up to this point, I must say that they are truly a blessing to humanity and the world of thought and thinkers. I hope that including myself or us into that last statement was not too presumptuous...
First of all, these reformers all had a high view of God. These are surely the greatest accomplishment of the Reformation - The reclaiming of the supremecy of the Word, Christ and God's sovereignty. Each of the reformers also had their mistakes. It is encouraging to see their humanity and shortcomings amidst a great movement of God. Even theologically speaking, the men of the reformation did not completely conform to Biblical theology (in my estimation). However, the culture, society and church from which they were emerging was such that we should be very grateful for the indelible marks they made in church history and the spirit of reformation they passed on to us. "Semper Reforma" (always reforming) is one of the commonly forgotten mantras of the reformation that we should continue to practice.
On another note, I have acquired a few moleskin notebooks/journals for this internship. While my emotions toward these notebooks and those who owned them have been mixed up to this point, I must say that they are truly a blessing to humanity and the world of thought and thinkers. I hope that including myself or us into that last statement was not too presumptuous...
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