DECONSTRUCTING MORALISM

Here is a very important reminder about the relationship between the gospel and sanctification written by Tullian Tchividjian. It is entitled Deconstructing Moralism and includes a great video clip from the film Les Miserables.

Speaking the Truth in Love

Here is a great video by Paul Tripp about speaking the truth in love.

 

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Ephesians 4:11-16 NLT)

Quote of the Day

"Mystery of all mysteries: Our world was rescued by a resurrected man, but we reach for heaven through a crucified God." (Jerry Webb)

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN COMMUNITY

The following principles are some thoughts that I shared with our Bible study group about practical ways in which we could develop more personal relationships and humbly attempt to bless one another.

Send each other constant reminders of the good news of God's grace found in Jesus Christ. Send each other an encouraging sms, email, card, or letter. God has given us words to use for His glory. Send a sms with a reminder that you are praying for them; send a sms with a Bible reference (this is a good way to make sure your friends are reading the Bible). Send an email and ask how their day was. Emails are a great way to send links to good websites with solid biblical teachings and good music. Send someone an email with a link to a sermon or a song that you think will be inspirational or helpful for them. A hand-written note will also show people how much you value them. Our goal is to “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). Encouragement starts with small things. Little things can destroy, but little things can also build up. We must never forget that words of encouragement which are seemingly insignificant are incredibly powerful spiritual weapons. Encouraging words can destroy the clouds of confusion and lift the darkness of spiritual depression. Remembering to tell the pastor or teacher that you appreciate their teaching, even if you don't understand everything is vital for them. Telling each other that you appreciate their help is crucial. Saying a simple “Thank you” makes a world of difference in many situations. Our goal is to “comfort one another with God's word” (1 Thess 4:18). We are slow and forgetful by nature; do not let others forget that God loves them and that you love them too. Let us all aim to be diligent in sending each other reminders of the gospel every day.

Share your possessions with each other as special needs arise within the group. Make sure that they know that you value them more than you value money or “stuff.” Pay for someone's drink or dinner, invite them for a ice-cream, or let them borrow your car for shopping, etc. The fastest way to fight the dreaded sin of selfishness is to share something that is valuable to you with someone else. The early church demonstrated this sacrificial sharing in an unmistakable way: “not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them” (Acts 4:32). True sharing focuses on needs not wants, so discretion is always important. But we more often fail in the area of being too cautious or suspicious of giving to others, rather than being generous and gracious by sharing our “stuff” with them. Everything you have belongs to God and has been given to you by His hand. Those of us who have a lot of books and read voraciously should be more diligent in giving to others from our abundance of resources, not merely being content with lending. Remember that God is the owner and we are the managers of His resources. Let us all aim to use everything He has given to us for building His kingdom.

Spend as much valuable time together as possible for the purpose of building God's kingdom on earth. Let them know that time is important and that you like being in their presence. “I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face” (3 John 14). Being in the presence of other Christians strengthens our hope, increases our faith, and brings us joy. We should never forsake meeting together regularly (Hebrews 10:25). In contrast to the early church, who met daily (Acts 2:46-47), the modern world, which has drawn us in to its dominating “hustle and bustle” lifestyle, often leaves us little time to be with others. Sometimes we think the goal of meeting together daily seems like an impossibility, but we neglect it to the detriment of our own spiritual vitality and joy. We will be together in eternity, so we should start spending time together now. We should long to see each other (1 Thess 3:6). You could watch a film together with friends and discuss it, or go to a pub and talk about life, or go to the park and relax, or take a walk and enjoy God's beautiful creation together. All of life is spiritual and that includes just “hanging-out.” Spending quality time together may prove to be the least appreciated blessing that we so very often take for granted in modern society. Let us all aim to spend more quality time together.

Speak with each other as much as possible in order to promote each others' progress and joy in the faith. Again, God has given us the gift of language to be used for expressing His glory. We are never to abuse or misuse language in deceptive ways, but to use this wonderful gift as a tool for building up God's kingdom. Let others know that you care about who they are, and that you are interested in their calling, dreams, hopes, vision, and goals. Get to know people from the inside-out. Ask them questions. Ask questions about what is important to them. We are to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Speak about your problems. Confess your sins to each other (James 5:16). Speak about your successes. Just open up your life and share your heart. Speaking with each other implies that you must also learn how to listen actively and with a compassionate heart. So be careful how much you speak and how much listen. Let us all aim to speak more openly, freely, honestly, frequently, and encouragingly with each other for our progress and joy in the faith (Philippians 1:25).

Show each other with your every action that you truly love one another and that you are committed to living for the glory of God. We are to do “all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). All of our actions are to bear the distinctive Christian mark of true love which is aimed at glorying God. The world will see how much we love Jesus by the way we love each other (John 13:35). So, “let us love one another” (1 John 4:7). We have to live our lives in such a way that our light is shining before the world. Mainly, that means that unbelievers will take notice of the way we treat each other and see the love of God. We must “show tolerance for one another in love” (Eph 4:2). The light of truth must shine, but the life of love must show that God is real. They should see truth and love emanating from your life and be attracted to God through your good deeds (Matthew 5:16). Let us all aim to prove that we love God and each other more deeply and truly through our actions.

Serve each other in very practical ways through hospitality and acts of kindness. Let them know that you are willing to be a servant. Primarily this service should be in the exercise of your spiritual gifts, but do not let your own gifting from God become an excuse for failure to take initiative in other areas of service. Even if you are not especially gifted in one particular area (e.g., planning, teaching, helping, etc.) you can still be willing to serve in that area of need. Perhaps your act of service will become the one that will make the greatest contribution and bring immense joy to the entire group. You must be willing to grow in an area which you are bad in. God will reward your faith. Just try something you have never done before and watch God do a miracle. As William Carey said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” Be bold and do something! That means we all need to get better in a lot of areas. “Be hospitable to one another without complaint” (1 Peter 4:9). Let us all aim to be more hospitable and kind.

Sacrifice yourself for each other when you don't know what else to do by offering your own life. Let them know that you are willing to personally sacrifice for them even if you don't fully understand what is going on in their life. Ask them, “How can I help you with the problems you are facing?” Ask them, “What specific task can I do for you this week that will help you be able to grow spiritually?” Ask them, “Is there something which I can do for you which would help you to be a more faithful witness for Jesus?” Perhaps we will not be called to lay our lives down physically, but we can do it spiritually by offering our time, talents, and treasures. Let us all aim to show that we truly love each other by making personal sacrifices (1 John 3:16).

Seek the benefit and blessing of the others not only gaining the best for yourself. We are to consider others more important than ourselves. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Support each other with your prayers (James 5:16). Your heart should be so full of love and concern for others that you simply can't help but to pray for them. We must acknowledge that failure to pray for others is a tragic sin (1 Samuel 12:23). Do something that will make others more joyful in Jesus. Let us all forsake selfishness and follow the way of Jesus by seeking the benefit and blessing of others.

Strive to help each other meet personal goals and to develop the art of spiritual disciplines. Let them know that you care for them enough to help them grow in sanctification. We must remember that sanctification is a process. We are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge” (Prov 12:1). Therefore, we absolutely must hold each other accountable for our actions. Ask each other, “What can I do for you to help you have more time to study and pray this week.” “Discipline yourself for purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Words alone are not good enough; you must work together at learning discipline (Proverbs 29:19). Don't just speak about prayer; pray together! Don't talk about evangelism; go share the gospel with someone together. Let us all strive to help each other in pursuing God through the spiritual disciplines.

Study the Bible together, especially important foundational doctrines and topics that are relevant to your calling and problems in life. Study a doctrine together and discuss it. Study in smaller and larger groups. Spend time on Sundays discussing the sermon or other issues on your heart. Study topics that are related to your calling in life. If you are a teacher, study what the Bible says about teaching. If you are a businessman, study business books from a Christian perspective. You may never grasp the meaning of the intricate details of biblical prophecy, but you can understand and fulfill your duties concerning your job: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23). Let us all be more diligent to study, memorize, meditate upon, and obey God's word.

Words of Wisdom: 3 Practical Helps for Building Community

(1) Be intentional. Even if you feel a little uncomfortable with building relationships, do it anyway! Be disciplined and deliberate in building community. Doing something voluntarily does not mean that it must be done without planning. If you want to watch films every Thursday...fine. If you want to send an email every Monday...fine. If you send a prayer sms every Friday morning...good. Contrary to popular belief, discipline is not a disease; it is an excellent tool for your growth in holiness, so consider it a wonderful blessing from God. Paul wrote, “I am determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). All of these principles will become nothing more than burdens unless your heart is passionate and willing to obey God in order to love Him and others. So trust God and be intentional.

(2) Be creative. Even if you are not entirely good at something, do it anyway! We must be constantly finding new and fresh ways to serve one another in order to express love and truth for the glory of God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones wisely reminds us: “As Christians we must all do the same essential things, but the way in which we do them is different.” Personal diversity in communal unity is how God expresses His glory. Even if your creativity is not on the level of DaVinci, don't worry! Just realize that others will not condemn you for trying to express yourself in order to honor God and to love them. Making mistakes in the area of creativity is better than not doing anything at all. Christians are “being led by the Spirit of God” (Romans 8:14), so trust God to lead you, and be creative.

(3) Be proactive. Even if nobody else wants to do something, you do it anyway! Be proactive! Be like Jesus! Don't be lazy! The grace of God motivates us to work and to make changes, not merely to sit and respond to everything that happens around us. Proactive means initiating change rather than merely reacting to circumstances. You must anticipate that things will not always go as you have planned, but you must believe that God is “working all things out in accordance with His will” (Ephesians 1:11). Do not try to be overtly legalistic but trust God and “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). So trust God and be proactive!

Charles Spurgeon on Reading Your Bible

"Need I suggest the question as to whether you do read your Bibles or not? I am afraid that this is a magazine-reading age, a newspaper-reading age, a periodical-reading age, but not so much a Bible-reading age as it ought to be. In the old Puritanic times men used to have a scant supply of other literature, but they found a library enough in the one book, the Bible. And how they did read the Bible! How little of Scripture there is in modern sermons compared with the sermons of those masters of theology, the Puritanic divines! Almost every sentence of theirs seems to cast sidelights upon a text of Scripture; not only the one they are preaching about, but many others as well are set in a new light as the discourse proceeds. They introduce blended lights from other passages, which are parallel or semi-parallel thereunto, and thus they educate their readers to compare spiritual things with spiritual. I would to God that we ministers kept more closely to the grand old book. We should be instructive preachers if we did so, even if we were ignorant of “modern thought,” and were not “abreast of the times.” I warrant you we should be leagues ahead of our times if we kept closely to the word of God. As for you, my brothers and sisters, who have not to preach, the best food for you is the word of God itself. Sermons and books are well enough, but streams that run for a long distance above ground gradually gather for themselves somewhat of the soil through which they flow, and they lose the cool freshness with which they started from the spring head. Truth is sweetest where it breaks from the smitten Rock, for at its first gush it has lost none of its heavenliness and vitality. It is always best to drink at the well and not from the tank. You shall find that reading the word of God for yourselves, reading it rather than notes upon it, is the surest way of growing in grace. Drink of the unadulterated milk of the word of God, and not of the skim milk, or the milk and water of man’s word." (Charles Spurgeon)

QUESTIONS SKEPTICS POSE

The Nine Toughest Questions Skeptics Pose

By Ravi Zacharias, a Christian Apologist

Here are the questions I have been asked most often. By developing a clear response to each, we can increase our ability to talk to those who are not Christians. It is important to note that while these are the attacking questions, as the conversation goes on, the questions become kinder and more personal, until one can focus on the Cross and present the Gospel in its simplicity and beauty. This has happened in every venue in which I have spoken.

1. Is it really possible to defend the supernatural when every scientific theory argues for a naturalistic explanation of this universe? (The question pertains to evolutionary theory and modern cosmology.)

2. What convincing arguments can you give us for the existence of God?

3. How can Christians possibly argue for an exclusive claim to truth in Christ when there are so many other religions in this world? There have been and are so many good people in this world who were not and are not Christian. If the Gospel is true, then they are destined for hell. Is that right?

4. The God of the Bible is portrayed as all-loving and all powerful. Then evil must be of his doing. This is a contradiction of his character. There is not only moral evil but gratuitous evil. How can you justify it? What sort of God is this, anyway?

5. We do not have the original manuscripts of the Bible. How can one possibly argue for their authority and accuracy? (This comes quite often from Muslims or those sympathetic with the findings of the Jesus Seminar.)

6. If the law of non-contradiction does apply as a test for falsehood, what about the concept of the Trinity or the sovereignty of God as it relates to the responsibility of man? Are these not contradictory concepts?

7. There is no discipline that subscribes to truth as absolute, particularly in matters of morality. How can Christians still hold to it? (Here some of the major moral issues of our day emerge.)

8. Religion has caused so much suffering and violence in this world. How do you explain that?

9. Isn’t religion only a political theory espoused by one who wants to impose his or her views upon others?

{Copyright 1995, Christianity Today, Inc.; Leadership, Spring 1995 Volume XVI Number 2, p. 22}

Accountability Part Two: Covenant of Accountability

Here is a covenant that I have written for helping individuals and small groups grow in their understanding of Biblical accountability. I pray you will be able to use it as a guide for instructing each other in Scriptural truth and for inspiring each other to develop vital spiritual relationships for the glory of God.

COVENANT OF CHRISTIAN ACCOUNTABILITY

In humbly seeking to live my entire life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ by doing everything to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31) and in diligently striving to honor Him by doing everything in His name and giving thanks to God (Col 3:17), I do hereby faithfully commit myself to my brother in Jesus Christ by entering into this covenant agreement of accountability with him, trusting that God the Almighty will grant us the courage, strength, grace, and blessing to fulfill what we are boldly attempting for His glory, our joy, and the expansion of His glorious kingdom. Wholeheartedly knowing that we can sharpen each other in many invaluable ways (Prov 27:17), I willingly and joyfully endeavor to enter into this covenant of accountability with the profound responsibility and utmost awareness that the Lord will judge me according to my words (Matt 12:36) and works on the day of judgment (Rom 2:6; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:12-13).

AUTHORITY of Jesus Christ in God’s Kingdom

Knowing that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Rom 11:29), I will seek to submit to God’s radical authority over my own life and in the life of His people (Matt 7:29; 28:18). I will sincerely challenge my brother in a spirit of love (Eph 4:15), eagerly support him in spiritual duties (Heb 10:24), rebuke him when necessary (Titus 2:15), and at all times endeavor to lead him to “walk in in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Col 1:10). I will exercise my authority and faith in Christ to fulfill all of the biblical commands concerning “one another” within the body of Christ. I will use my authority for building up and not for tearing down (2 Cor 10:8). I recognize that with authority comes the power to influence (2 Cor 10:13-16); therefore, I will prayerfully exercise this responsibility by exercising godly wisdom when speaking into the life of my brother (Ps 37:30; 49:3). I will not seek a “place of honor” (Luke 14:7-11), but rather humbly serve God where He places me and seek to expand His kingdom under His divine authority being expressed by a passionate pursuit for God’s glory (John 5:44; 7:18). I will seek to honor those whom God has placed above me as spiritual counsel by praying for their welfare and benefit and submitting to them (Hebrews 13:17). I will use my gifts in service for God (1 Peter 4:10) and fulfill my ministry I have received from the Lord (Col 4:17; 2 Tim 4:5).

AUTHENTICITY of the Character of My Life

Knowing that I want to be an authentic man of faith who expresses my love for God and others in real and sacrificial ways (1 John 3:16), I will pursue love (1 Cor 14:1) by following in the footsteps of Christ (1 John 2:6), having His mind (Phil 2:5), imitating Him (Eph 5:1; 1 Thess 1:6) and walking in His steps (1 John 2:3). I will despise hypocrisy (1 Pet 2:1) and forsake pride (Prov 16:18; 29:23) for the sake of considering others more important than myself (Phil 2:3). I will seek to have an honest, clean, and pure heart before Him through deep and transforming repentance (Ps 51). I will seek to be a man of one thing (Ps 27:4; Phil 3:10). I will strive to be a man who earnestly seeks God (Ps 24:6; 63:1; 141:8; 2 Chron 26:5) and a man whose heart is completely His (2 Chron 16:9). I will confess my sins and forsake evil so that I may prosper (Prov 28:13) and be healed (James 5:16). I will seek to be pure in heart (Ps 24:4; 73:1; ! Pet 1:22) by guarding and keeping His word (Ps 119:9) so that I may see God (Matt 5:8). I will make a covenant with my eyes (Job 31:1) so that in all things I may glorify God with my body (1 Cor 6:20; Phil 1:20). I will seek to bring honor to Jesus Christ in every aspect and activity of my daily living by “pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness” (1 Tim 6:11).

AVAILABILITY for Blessing the Body of Christ

Knowing that the world will recognize we are His disciples when they see how much we love each other (John 13:34-35), I will seek to be a living witness of truth by humbling myself before my brother (Rom 12:16) and by being willing to help and support him at all times when he needs me, if it is within my power to do so (Prov 3:27-28). I will provide wise counsel (Prov 11:14; 24:6) so as to help my brother succeed in all of his worthy endeavors. In following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, I will seek to never leave nor forsake my brother (Hebrews 13:5). I will seek to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God” (Micah 6:8) so as to be “salt and light” (Matt 5:13-16) and to redeem the time (Eph 5:16). I will maintain a diligent and consistent meeting time in order to discuss failures and successes (Hebrews 10:25), and will be sensitive to his spiritual, physical, and emotional needs (Romans 12:15; 1 John 3:16-18).

ACCOUNTABILITY to Jesus Christ for His Glory

Knowing that I must all give an account to God of all my steps (Rom 14:12; Job 31:37) and that nobody is hidden from His sight (Heb 4:13), I will strive to live my life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil 1:27). I will seek to bless and enrich those who have personally invested into my life (Prov 11:25). I will endeavor to be a faithful steward of my life (1 Cor 4:2). I will fulfill the ministry that God has given me (Acts 20:24). I will run in such a way so that I will not be disqualified (1 Cor 9:27). I will be accountable in the little things so that God may be honored (Matt 25:21). I will strive to live in transparent, open, honest, and accountable relationships so that my life may be a living witness of truth and love (Prov 14:25; Acts 1:8).

ABILITY for Obedience to God’s Will

Knowing that those who do the will of God will abide forever (1 John 2:17), I will trust Jesus Christ and Him alone to give me the grace, faith, and strength to fulfill my spiritual duties before Him and my brothers, remembering that apart from Him I can do nothing (John 15:5). I will accept that by the grace of God I am what I am and trust that His grace towards me is not in vain (1 Cor 15:10). I will in no manner trust my own [resources] to be of any effect in accomplishing the task God has given me (Proverbs 3:5-6). I will rest in the power of the Holy Spirit and trust that God is working in me to will and to work for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). I will labor with the energy that God is powerfully working in me (Col 1:29). I will be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord my labor is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58)

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Being constrained by the cross of Christ (Luke 12:50), the word of Christ (Acts 4:20; 18:5), and the love of Christ (2 Cor 5:14-15), I will seek to live my life for the glory of God in all things (1 Cor 10:13), maximizing my joy in Him (Ps 37:4), and striving for my brother’s progress and joy in the faith (Phil 1:23-25). May God so grant me mercy, grace, faith, strength, and endurance to fulfill the ministry He has given me (Acts 20:24). AMEN!