Eric Phillip's Blog

The Weight of the Gospel

2012-02-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

As a Pastor I’m continually studying the scriptures, seeking a greater knowledge and understanding of the Gospel. I’m also continually talking about the Gospel and communicating the Gospel. This of course is a good thing, but I have found that there is also a danger that can creep in for myself and I would assume may have slipped in on many other Christians also.

The danger is that the reality of the Gospel can become more like an idea or concept that we study and discuss.

God convicted me of this just last week during our weekly “Discipleship Group” Coleen and I host at our house. During our group time we were discussing the reality of American Christianity in contrast to the many Christians living in closed and hostile countries. As we were talking about the persecution so many Christians face, one guy in our group stopped us and said that he felt we should take time to pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution and death. Then, all of a sudden, as we began to pray, the reality that so many fellow Christians are facing became real. We went from talking about Christian persecution as an idea for discussion to reflecting on the reality so many face, bringing us to tears and prayers. We went from discussing the concept of persecution to reflecting on the weight of that reality.

I was hit that night with how easily we can take something as weighty as men and women, children and elderly, being beaten, tortured, and killed for standing for the hope of the Gospel, and talk flippantly about it as a mere concept or idea.

Reflecting on what had happened, I felt God begin to convict me of an even deeper reality. I realized that what we had done with the reality of Christian persecution is something that we so easily begin to do with the Gospel.

How often do we take the incredible news of what God has done on our behalf and allow it to become a theological category, a topic for discussion, an intellectual idea to be studied, and a topic of debate. I’m not in any way inferring that the Gospel should not be discussed, proclaimed, studied, and even defended. But as one that is continually studying the many aspects of the Gospel, teaching the Gospel, and discussing the Gospel, I realized that I can so easily fall into the trap of discussing the idea without allowing the immense weight of this Gospel settle into the core of my being.

I love talking about the Gospel, proclaiming and teaching the Gospel, and in that I often error by talking too much. But I have to ask myself, “when was the last time the Gospel left me speechless?”

When was the last time we stopped talking about the Gospel as a theological category and began reflecting on the Gospel as an awesome reality, allowing the incredible weight of the Gospel settle in?

Often the Gospel has led us to a good discussion or a lively debate. But when was the last time the Gospel has led you to tears, singing, rejoicing, and awe?

The Gospel that we have received is referred to as “glorious”. This word “glory” comes from the Hebrew word “kabod” which literally means “weighty”. So as we study the Gospel, discuss the Gospel, and proclaim the Gospel, may we never cease to allow the immense weight of the reality of the Gospel impact our hearts, our minds, in fact every aspect of our being.

Walking in line with the Gospel.

2012-02-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

In our current sermon series at E3 we are looking at the centrality of the Gospel and the critical importance of having a proper understanding of the Gospel as we walk through the book of Galatians. When you look at the context and content of Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia it becomes clear that having a proper understanding of the Gospel of unwarranted grace is absolutely essential. In making this statement I know that many Evangelical Christians would be in complete agreement.

We often recognize the need to have a correct understanding of the Gospel, we also often recognize the need to proclaim and share this Gospel with those outside of the faith. But what has hit me in my current study is that we often miss the need to continually share the Gospel “evangelize” those within the Church. When we spend time studying the Gospel, systematically working through the central points of the Gospel, we have often forgotten to realize that this study and understanding is only the first part of the important work of being good students of the Gospel.

In Galatians 2:14 we have Paul giving an account of a confrontation he had with Peter and some of the other church leaders visiting the church in Antioch. As Paul confronts Peter he makes the statement that “their actions were not in step (or inline) with the Gospel”. He then proceeds to give a summary of this Gospel by laying out the core tenants of Justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

What has stuck with me in this passage is this accusation of “not walking in line with the Gospel.” The reality is that the Gospel is not just a doctrine that is central to proper theology; it is not merely a critical point within our systematics. The reality is that the Gospel is also central in the shaping and formation of every aspect of our life and community as believers.

It is when the Gospel is properly understood and then properly applied to every facet of life that we are continually transformed, being brought in line with God’s purposes for us. As we come to understand the Good News of our acceptance and right standing before God found solely in the work of Christ, leaving us with nothing to add to it, but only to receive that which has already been completed for us, we are then left with the exciting work of continually rethinking every facet of our life in light of this Gospel.

The way I like to say this is that we need to continually practice "good Gospel thinking". And as we set out to do this we must realize that in the NT letters, we have an incredible example to instruct us on how to properly practice good Gospel thinking by applying the ramifications of the Gospel to our life.

It is interesting to note that every letter in the NT is written to Christians, and almost every one of these letters begin with a reminder of the Gospel. Our NT is filled with books that were written to “Evangelize” the Church. But after a reminder of the Gospel these letters immediately move into laying out some of the ramifications of this Gospel on the life of the Christian and the life of the Church.

We see the NT filled with instruction on how the Gospel should transform how husbands and wives relate to each other, how the Gospel changes relationships between masters and servants, between races and social groups. We find instruction on how the ramifications of the Gospel should shape how we handle disputes, how we treat our enemies, how we respond to criticism, etc. etc. etc.

A right understanding of the Gospel is absolutely central in forming right belief and a right application of the Gospel is absolutely central in forming right community and a healthy Christian life.

This practice of good Gospel thinking is not just something we do for a season to then move on to other things. This is a practice that must be a constant ongoing reality in the life of every Christian and every Church. If you think that you have moved beyond the need to be reminded of the Gospel and the outworking of that Gospel in every facet of life; I would like to point out that even Peter was in need of Paul to remind him of the Gospel and how the Gospel should be informing his interaction with his gentile brothers.

As a final point I would like to say that even though each individual Christian should continually practice good Gospel thinking, I do believe that this practice is best done in community.

So if you are reading this, I ask that you remind yourself of the Gospel message, the good news that we are justified and accepted by the awesome Grace of God apart from anything we have done. As you reflect on this Gospel, begin thinking through what it would mean to “walk in line” with this Gospel. Prayerfully think through how the Gospel informs how you should handle your jerk boss, how you should share the good news with your neighbor, how you should respond to that person that is criticizing you, how you handle failure, how you should relate with your wife and kids, etc.

And here is my request. After you have spent some time reflecting on these things please post some of the applications of the ramifications of the Gospel you have come to. So that everyone reading this blog can benefit from the insights of others on the exhaustive ramifications of the Gospel on every aspect of our life.

Also if you would like a more in depth handling of this topic please check out our recent sermon on this idea. (True Grace pt.4 .mp3)

Failed resolutions

2012-01-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

Every year around this time I make a resolution to not go to the gym for a couple of weeks following the New Year. Why do I do this? It is because every year, right after new years day, the gyms are filled with people starting their new years resolutions. Those first few weeks are always packed. But after a couple of weeks I know that things will be back to the way I like it, almost empty.

The American tradition of making new years resolutions is interesting to me. Every year we take time to reflect on ways we need to change, things we need to do to “fix” ourselves, to make our self a better person. Every year we do this, even though the previous year’s resolution didn’t work so well. But of course it is a new year and it will be different this year.

The idea of new years resolutions reminds me of Paul’s discussion concerning the value of the Law to “fix” us. In Colossians 2:23 Paul in reference to the rules and regulations some had imposed on others says “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” Also in Romans 7 Paul clearly lays out the purpose of the law while also revealing the incapability of the law to change us. In essence he tells us that the law cannot fix us (make one righteous) it only reveals to us how broken we are. He tells us that the law “do not covet” did not fix him of his covetness, but in reality caused him to desire to covet that much more. The law does not transform our fallen desire, but in reality just brings it to light. It is like placing a sign over a hole in a fence that says, “do not look”. The sign doesn’t do much to keep you from looking. But instead reveals a desire to look through that hole that before the sign you never really had.

I think that our new years resolutions function a lot like the law. New years resolutions usually have little value in fixing us, but they do reveal to us our inability to fix our self. Just as the law has no value in producing righteousness in us, but does have value in revealing to us our unrighteousness.

Most of us want to be “fixed’. We want to change and become more of who we were created to be. So we make our resolutions. We resolve to change, to do things differently, to stop doing what we shouldn’t be doing and start doing the things we should. We seek out different 5 step plans, grit our teeth, and move forward with the hope that this time it will be different.

One problem is that in reality we are the ones that have broken our self. So if we have messed our self up, why would we think that we could be the ones to fix our self?

So do we just throw our hands in the air, stop trying, and just accept that we are the way we are and we will never change? Steeling from Paul’s terminology, I would say “by no means!”

We cannot fix our self, but we will be transformed. Not by gritting our teeth and creating a set of laws, but by fixating our self on the only one capable of fixing us.

The author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Often we understand the need to look to Christ, focus on Him, and lay ourselves at His feet, that we might be justified (for the “authoring of our faith”). But we so often then pick ourselves up from His alter, walk away, and begin the process of perfecting our faith through hard work and making resolutions on how we will be better Christians.

Just as we cannot justify our self by our own efforts, we cannot sanctify (or perfect our self) by our own efforts either. We do not fix our self by working harder on our self, but by focusing our self on Christ, trusting that He will be faithful to fix us.

So after this New Year, I have decided that I’m not going to focus on myself, focusing on what I need to fix and what I need to do to fix it. Instead I’m going to resolve to focus on Christ. There are changes I believe I need to make. But those changes are centered on creating practices in my life that keep my eyes focused upon Christ.

So after all of the resolutions to eat healthy, hit the gym, and stop smoking. I want to challenge you to take some time to see how Christ might have you order you life in a manner in which you can live this year with an even greater Christ focus.

Instead of trying to fix yourself, focus on fixating yourself on Christ.

Advent: Appearing

2011-12-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I have been walking through an advent series at E3 entitled "The Appearing". In the series we are looking at some of the realities that have "appeared" with the advent of our Lord.

Of course using the term "appearing" is just a play on the meaning of the word "advent" which means the appearing or arrival of something (note: advent is generally used in reference to the arrival of something momentous or something that changes the course of history).

As I have been studying and preparing for this advent season, God has hit me with something that has been quite powerful.

When we get into this season we always begin to go back to some of the many great prophesies of the OT telling of the coming of the messiah. We dust off many of the great old hymns that sing beautifully of God appearing in our midst to rescue us. Hopefully we at some point spend some time in the Gospels reading of the story of the Son of God incarnate as the little child Jesus. Yet as I have spent this time studying, reading, and listening to the many great passages and songs celebrating Emmanuel (God with us), celebrating the advent of our Lord, the appearing of the Son of God for the redemption of His people. I have been hit by the reality that there is another "advent" that the celebration of Advent should draw me toward.

I'm not talking about the future "advent" (or second advent as it is often referred) which is the appearing of our Lord as King and Judge to establish His kingdom for ever.

I'm talking about the advent of the Lord on a daily basis in my life.

Even though Jesus has appeared and God is among us by His Spirit, I'm not always aware of His presence, so I'm in need of a "re-focusing" or an opening of my eyes that I might perceive Him in my midst. In other words, that He might appear to me in a very real way as my eyes are opened to perceive His presence.

As valuable as it is for us to read the accounts of the great rejoicing that came with the advent of our Lord to the shepherds, wise men, Mary, and others. We must realize that we too need Emmanuel just as they did. It is not enough to live vicariously through the Christmas accounts. We are in need of that continual advent of our Lord in our lives. The awareness of His presence and activity in our midst. We are in need of that appearing fresh and new in our life that radically changes the course of our history. In order that our rejoicing and worship is not only done in response to the good news of God dwelling with us in the baby Jesus, but also, that we may rejoice at the good news that God is dwelling with us and in us now by His Spirit.

Proper Theology will inform us that God is omnipresent (present everywhere), He is always present intimately by His Spirit, and is sovereignly active in every detail of our life. But I'm not talking about proper Sunday school answers to the attributes of God. Sure we know He is always present and always active, the question is are we aware of it?

The "advent" of the Lord in our life today is not about a change in the positioning of God (He is already here) but it is a change in the perspective of us.

Finishing up, I'm reminded of the story of Jacob as he was traveling through a land in which he had traveled many times before. But this particular time, while taking a rest, he had a vision of a ladder to heaven. What is profound to me is the statement Jacob makes after this vision. In Genesis 28:16 it says “Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”

The advent of our Lord has come, Jesus was born, He died, He rose again, and He shall return to complete what He has begun. Till then God is intimately present with us by His Holy Spirit. In a sense we have Emmanuel by the Holy Spirit.

God is more present and more active in your life than you could ever know. Yet because we are easily distracted, often hard of hearing and hard of seeing, we continually need those "advents" of our Lord. Those moments where He appears to us fresh and new and we say as Jacob did "man! Jesus was here, active in this the whole time, I just did not recognize it."

So during this season when we celebrate Emmanuel "God with us" and rejoice in the Advent of our Lord, take some time to ask that God would open your eyes to perceive Emmanuel fresh and new. That the Lord may "advent" once again to you in a very special way.

Heart matters pt.3

2011-12-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hopefully in the past 2 posts I was able to communicate my view that the root of our issue is in the heart. Our falleness is born out of idolatry (which is another way of saying born out of misplaced affections.) If that is true then the beginning of our redemption (the reversal of the fall) is a restoration or transformation of our affections. In other words regeneration and conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming the "heart" or affections of fallen man so that we will place God as our highest affection.

So that we might love God and subsequently obey Him out of that love.

With that being stated I have found a grave danger in myself that is born out of our current evangelicalism. We have bought into the idea of salvation by information. In other words, we believe our root issue is that we have wrong beliefs so then the solution to the issue is right beliefs. So then the summary of the discipleship is found in the dispensing of information. In essence we subtly believe that if we can only convince the non-believer of the correctness of our beliefs, and then train the young believer in sound doctrine, then all will be well.

Now please do not get me wrong here, beliefs are very important, and training in sound doctrine is a core responsibility of the leadership of the church. But the problem occurs when that is all that we do. We are in danger when we begin to believe that if one is orthodox in their doctrine they are then surely standing in proper relation to God, because I have found that there are many people who are quite orthodox in doctrine while being heretical in affection.

Lets say that one has a misplaced affection towards the idol of self recognition. Now that person may have spent many years "partying like a rock star" being the life of the party. Why? Well to obey his god (recognition). That grew old so then that same person gave all he had to garner success in his career. Different actions but again the same affection. Then one day this person encounters a new social group, a local church. He then joins one of their groups that meet weekly for a study. All of a sudden this person begins pouring himself into the study of scripture, doctrine, systematics, etc. He has become the "bible answer man" of the group and has become of high demand for anyone needing information about the bible. This may all look great, this may look like a great conversion story. The only problem is that there has been no change in affections. He is still pursuing the same Idol, carrying the same fallen affections, but he now is just using sound doctrine and biblical study as a means to the same fallen end. So even though there has been a change in doctrine, by definition, there has been no true regeneration nor conversion.

Even very orthodox doctrine can become perverse when used as a means for a fallen end. Does this mean that teaching sound doctrine is unimportant? No. But it does mean that if we are going to be healthy (and biblical) as a people we cannot just remain in the head. There are many, many, people that use very solid biblical beliefs as a means to cover their fallen affections. Just as some may use false philosophies and doctrine to justify their rebellious desires. So can the believer (and non) use true beliefs as a smokescreen to cover their own fallen desires.

So what is the answer? To be honest I'm not quite sure. But I do know that we as the church need to realign our view of conversion and also our understanding of the problem. But also along with that we need to begin creating space where we are not only dealing with the head but are also dealing with the heart. We need relationships and spaces in which we are not just gaining more information for our minds but places where we can be challenged, convicted, and encouraged, by allowing God to speak to our hearts through each other and the scriptures. We need to begin building communities of grace in which we are actually safe to share our hearts, instead of the easier path of just sharing our minds.

We can all think of many very orthodox preachers and teachers who have crashed because though their doctrine was in line, their affections were out of whack. But how many of those preachers and teachers were constantly asked "what do you think?" Without ever being asked "How are you doing?"

But then again it takes a people that truly takes the Gospel seriously to create a space where you can share your heart. Only when we truly understand unwarranted grace can we then be a community that allows for the incredible vulnerability that comes with sharing your heart.

I realized for myself that I find it much easier and less scary to share my mind than my heart. Because if I share my mind and one rejects it, at worst I get angry. But if I share my heart (my fears, doubts, insecurities, affections) and one rejects it, I will be hurt or even crushed.

I know I have thrown many scattered ideas around. I know I have not summed everything up with a 5 point how to list. I really don't have the answers. I just know this. We all have a heart problem and the only remedy is the Gospel. It is the Gospel penetrating our heart by the power of the Spirit to circumcise our hearts, transforming our affections. But it is also the Gospel being fleshed out in a community of people, living in grace, that we might have a space in which we can freely share our hearts with trust and confidence.

I don't have the answer to "how" but I do know "what" I desperately need in this journey called life.

Heart Matters pt.2

2011-11-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

In my previous post I had attempted to lay out a basic argument that our primary issue is an issue of the heart and not just an issue of the mind. Now in stating that the source of our issue is found in the heart does not mean that the beliefs of the mind are not an issue. I'm just stating that if we only deal with wrong beliefs we have not dealt with the real issue.

I honestly believe that all of our wrong beliefs are born out of wrong desires. In other words our wrong headedness is a product of our wrong heartedness. We don't desire God, but instead desire to be our own god, so then we use the gift of rationality as a means to justify our end. It is out of a desire to be autonomous that we then formulate beliefs that accomplish and justify our desired end. To once again go back to the Genesis account of our fall, we see that it is a pursuit of "knowledge" that was the means by which Adam and Eve achieved the end of becoming "like God" or in other words becoming their own authority. I have found that most often we formulate arguments for our belief system after we have already adopted that belief. We set out to prove or justify what we believe, but our "proofs" did not lead us to that belief, but came after we have adopted that belief. But to go a bit deeper, our rational beliefs are usually born out of a desire or affection that we desire to justify (I would also say this is true for the Christian faith, but that would take a lengthy post for me to flesh out).

Famed atheist writer Aldous Huxley in his book ends and means reveals this idea by stating “I had motives for not wanting the world to have a meaning; and consequently assumed that it had none, and was able without any difficulty to find satisfying reasons for this assumption… The philosopher who finds no meaning in the world is not concerned exclusively with a problem in pure metaphysics; he is also concerned to prove that there is no valid reason why he personally should not do as he wants to do."

Now I'm not arguing that we do not truly believe the things we claim to believe. Whatever you hold to be the true explanation of reality (world view) you hold because you do believe it to be true. But the problem is that our minds are easily deceived by something much more powerful and influential within man, his heart. The scripture teaches us that the "the heart of man is deceitful above all things and is desperately sick" Jer 17:9. Most often our minds follow our hearts. Isn't it amazing that even the most rational of people can make such incredibly irrational decisions (even using their rationality to justify their decision) purely because of a consuming affection. This is very evident in our relationships. I have seen some very solid guys, rationalize some profoundly foolish things, even to the extent of blinding them self to reality, all because they have found some cutie that has captivated their affection. Or for another example, if you study history you will find that it often takes the greatest of minds to justify the greatest of atrocities done in human history. The most horrific acts done by the Nazis were not committed by those with little education, but by those who were the most educated. It truly takes a great mind to be able to justify such a perverse desire.

Jesus tells us that "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” Mark 7:21-23. John Calvin clearly summarized it by stating, “the human heart is an idol factory.” It is out of the heart of man that comes all types of idols and it is out of the mind of man that comes all types of rational to justify our idolatry. We are smart enough and deceptive enough to use the gift of rationality as a means to justify our rebellion.

In the fallen world the rationality of the human mind can be used in powerful ways to justify the rebellious desires of the heart. But there is also a danger for those within the house hold of the redeemed. As false beliefs can be used as a means to justify the rebellious desires of the heart of fallen man, so can right beliefs be used to mask the brokeness and idolatry found in the heart of the redeemed.

In the next post I want to conclude this thought by looking at the danger of allowing our faith to remain purely intellectual and the harm that can come when our models of discipleship are only concerned with the mind and not also the heart.

Heart matters pt.1.

2011-11-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

"And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live." Deuteronomy 30:7

As you scan through the whole of the scriptures you will see that our real issue does not come from us being wrong headed, but from us being wrong hearted. Sure we have come up with many whacked out beliefs, bought into false systems, and twisted God's word. But the false knowledge and twisted lies were formulated out of a depraved heart. The original source of our situation (the fall) was not due to a lack of information, nor understanding, but a deception that crept in from a falsely placed desire. Adam and Eve did not fall due to a lack of knowledge, but due to a perverse desire for knowledge that would allow them to be autonomous from God. You see the issue with fallen humanity is not primarily intellectual, but affectual (I know affectual is not a word, but it sounded better than “stemming from our affections”). Just spend some time reading through Roman's 1-3. He spends the beginning of his letter to the Roman church showing that the amount of information one has about God (whether it be general revelation to the gentile or special revelation to the Jew) amounts to little in light of the fact that the real issue lies not primarily in the head but the heart. As he sums up the opening argument in Romans 3 he quotes from the psalms stating that no one understands because no one seeks after God. Whether it be the pagan in a remote area, biblical scholar, philosopher, atheist, Muslim, or conservative Baptist, no matter your knowledge or background, the real issue is that no one desires God.

Some do not know about God, about His law, and His word. So they live in rebellion against a God they do not know. Yet others do know about God, they know His law, they know His word, but they do not keep that law, do not obey His word, and do not pursue the God that they have knowledge about. Those who do know of God and His law do not keep it because they do not desire God. We do not obey because we do not love. Is this not why Jesus continually taught “if you loved me you would then obey me” instead of “if you had greater knowledge about my commandments you would then keep them.”

Our real issue is a heart issue. All of our wrong beliefs are merely rationalizations to justify our wrong desires.

So then if our issue is primarily a heart issue, then what is the solution? Is it more information alone? Is it greater argumentation? I would say no. Information is hugely important (if it wasn’t why would I be giving my life to preaching and teaching and why would I be wasting my evening writing a blog post). But information without transformation of the heart just gives the hearer more means to cover or justify their fallen ends. You see, what we need is not only more information but a regeneration of the heart.

I find it so interesting that at the end of Deuteronomy, after God had just gave His people His law, conveying to the people so much revelatory information, He then warns that though they now know His Law they ultimately will not keep it. It is as if He is telling the people “I’m revealing to you myself and my will, I’m giving you the info you need, but that is not enough. Because the issue is not only that you do not know about Me, but that you do not desire me.” But just as God gives warning to His people, He then points to the coming solution to the problem. In Deuteronomy 30 God tells the people that He will redeem them, and in that He will circumcise their hearts (purify and change their hearts) so that they will love Him and subsequently will then be able to obey. We then see through out the OT God’s warning of Israel’s coming rebellion and the consequences of that rebellion played out. But in the midst of their rebellion, God continually reminds His people of this grand promise through many of His prophets. Telling them that though they do not desire Him, He desires them and will come for them and will give them new hearts, that they will then one day desire Him.

It does not take much time reading the NT to begin to realize that God is fulfilling His promise through Christ. The Son was sent as a propitiation, to forgive and redeem God’s people. But we also see that the Spirit has then been sent to regenerate the hearts of men, that we who were once enemies of God will become lovers of God.

Now many of you may be saying, “this is some what elementary, I know this” and you may be right, but that is what worries me.

Any good orthodox Christian would reject the heretical teachings of the Gnostics. We have enough biblical knowledge to reject that ancient heresy. But though doctrinally we may be orthodox, practically many have subtly bought into the age-old heresy. At the core the Gnostics taught that salvation came from having a secret “knowledge” (gnosis in greek, hence Gnostics). Today many hold the same view, granted the “knowledge” is orthodox in nature, we still believe in salvation by information. Believing that if one is orthodox in their doctrine they are then a Christian. But there are far too many that may be orthodox in doctrine while being heretical in their affection. They profess right information about God yet desire anything but God.

So then what is the answer? Do we then say that preaching, teaching, and proclamation are useless? In short, NO. But we must realize that our preaching and teaching without the regenerating work of God’s spirit will never suffice. Is sound doctrine unimportant? Of course not. But sound doctrine for one who desires God functions far differently than for one who does not. For the one who’s heart is still in rebellion, sound doctrine without the regeneration of the heart merely reveals more about the one they are running from. But for the one who’s heart has been transformed, sound doctrine give ever-greater clarity about the one they are now running toward.

I’m stopping here, though I have much more to say. I will follow this up with a second part that will look at this issue in light of how we grow in our Christian walk. But right now, after hopefully imparting some truthful information, I want to challenge anyone who may be reading this post.

Has the Gospel changed your mind only or has it changed your heart? My prayer is that this post will not merely be used to impart knowledge but will be used by the Spirit to transform both heart and mind. My hope is that this does not just leave you with more knowledge for your theological arsenal, but will leave each of us in a place of crying out to our God, that by His Spirit He may transform our hearts more and more, that we may be consumed by a ever-growing affection for Him.

Experiential Matters

2011-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

In all of my study of world religions there are some things that are very distinct about Christianity, yet there are also many similarities. I have found that there is often some shared views of morality, shared views on the human situation, even some shared views on God (note: these similarities differ by religion and by degree, but they can be found none the less.) But one of the core areas that differentiates Christianity from other religions is the relational nature of the Christian claim for truth.

Many other religions have a central figure, a key teacher or prophet, but the truth of that religion rests in the teaching of that figure or the revelation received by that figure. Within Buddhism, if Gautama Buddha was found to have never existed, the core of Buddhism would remain the same. The weight of Buddhism is found in the teachings of the Buddha not the Buddha himself. The same is true for Islam. If Muhammad never really existed, though that would be a huge impact on the Muslim religion, it would none the less not destroy the religion. Because Islam is rooted in the revelation given by Muhammad in the Quran. You see the center of the religion rests within the truthfulness of the teachings, the faith is centered upon a comprehension of the teachings of the Quran or the 5 steps to enlightenment, etc.

But Christianity is far different in this respect. The core of the faith is not found in the teachings of Jesus, but the person of Jesus. Isn't it interesting that as such a massive religious figure, Jesus left behind no writings! Though filled with teachings, the scriptural documents centered on Jesus' ministry were not a book of quotations and teachings, but ancient biographies about His life. Jesus' claim was not that He had the Truth, not that He taught the Truth, but that He was the Truth. Ultimate truth was not wrapped up in a teaching nor revelation, but a person.

This reality should change everything. If the truth you seek is found in a text book, you would approach it in a certain way. In your pursuit of the truth within a text book you would not decide to take that book out to dinner, spend some time just silently being in the presence of the book, and begin asking the book all types of questions, waiting upon the book to give you an answer. You would not say that the book is in charge and you are trusting that the book will enable you to understand it. You would read and study the book realizing that you are in charge of trying to comprehend what the book is teaching. But on the other hand if the truth you seek is found in a person you would approach your pursuit in a vastly different way. You would desire to spend time with that person, share your heart with that person, even trust that person in areas you are still left uncertain concerning that person. You would realize that ultimately you are not in control because you are dependent upon that person to reveal them self to you. Of course you would want to find out about that person. You would read everything that person wrote to you, you would listen to the wants and desires of that person. You would even go to others that know that person to get insight from them. Yes you would be seeking information about the person, but that would only be one part of the pursuit of knowledge. You would not only be looking for knowledge about, but also an experience of that person. For example you would want to read of that person's claim to care for you, but you would also then desire to experience that care first hand.

The claim that ultimate Truth, that real knowledge, is wrapped up in a person and is found in knowing that person should change some things. But often it does not. Though the Christian claim is far different that other religions, the religious life of the Christian is often not too different than other devout people from other faiths. As I look at much of the Christian experience today (I must note that when I say "christian" I am not excluding but including myself), I can see how many have come to the belief that all religions are different paths to the same end. This is somewhat true if all religions are just teachings or revelations about morality and life. If each religion is based upon man's comprehension of these snippets of truth and his practicing of these truths as he seeks to make sense of our existence. It would then appear that Jesus had some good moral teachings, but so did Buddha and Muhammad, and each religious person is merely trying to take these teachings and put them into practice so that they may become better people.

I can see how many come to this conclusion.

But if we truly took to heart the Christian claim, the difference would be very plain to see. The claim of scripture is not that we just need better teaching and more information. Our issue is not that we are bad people that need to learn how to be good people, nor that we are bad people that need convinced that we should want to be good people. Our issue is that we are rebellious people that don't desire God, even if we desire moral perfection, we still do not desire obedient submission to and relational connection with our Creator. It is not that no man desires to be good, but that no man desires God. The Christian claim is not that we need better teaching so that we may depend on ourself to implement that teaching, but that we sought independence from God and need to be brought back into dependance upon Him. It is not that we need to encounter good biblical teaching, but that through the teaching of the scriptures we might encounter God. The claim is not that we need a divine teaching to enable us to pursue and acquire God, but that in our rebellion we need a God that will pursue us to acquire us as His own possession.

Please don't get me wrong here. Truth proclaimed, taught, and studied is massively important. Knowledge about God is a great gift. But if we truly understood the knowledge gained from study of the scriptures, we would realize that this knowledge is not an end but a beginning. Real Truth is not merely something to be comprehended and cerebrally understood, but something that is to be experienced, worshiped, and obeyed, because Truth is not a ultimately an idea but a Person.

As the old children's song goes "Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so." This is a true statement and is an important starting point. Yes, we do know that Jesus love's us because we have been told so through the scripture. But if we mature in our understanding of the biblical claims we should then begin to realize that I know Christ's love not only because the bible teaches me so, but because Christ has shown me so by His action upon the cross, and beyond that I know of Jesus' love because I have come to know Him more and more allowing me to experience His awesome love. Jesus loves me this I know because He has shown me so by His action on the cross, He has shed His love experientially through my heart by His Spirit, and He has opened my eyes to see and experience His awesome love all around me through out my day. I know of Jesus' love for me as I read the scriptures, as I experience His presence, as I commune with Him in prayer, as He reveals it to me through fellowship with the saints, as I comprehend His providential care in my life, as my eyes perceive His fingerprint throughout His creation, as His Spirit pierces my heart with the reality of the Gospel, as .........

In our pursuit of Truth we must remember that the scriptures are our only certain guide to what is true, but it is a guide that points us toward an experiential and relational encounter with the ultimate Truth which is Jesus Christ. Experience not checked by scripture can be very deceptive. But biblical doctrine void of true relational and experiential encounter is dead. For true life is ultimately found in a person not merely a teaching.

I will finish this lengthy "teaching" with a couple ideas to chew on.

"The written word exists to direct us to the living Word."
"The written word is to be studied and understood, the Living Word is to be experienced, worshiped, and loved."
"The scriptures are in many way's like a menu. They describe the meal, and draw us to desire the meal, but they are not the meal. Jesus is the meal. If you only remain in a place of studying the menu, your will never be filled."

Finally a quote by Richard Wurmbrand (founder of Voice of the Martyrs). When describing his time in a communist prison he said this "Jesus is the Truth, the bible is the truth about the Truth, and theology is the truth about the truth about the Truth!" He then said that as they were in prison without any bibles, beaten, starved, and drugged. They could not remember much theology and even struggled to remember many biblical passages, so they were only left with the Truth to sustain them. And they found that in that time, the Truth was still more than enough.

So I ask you, is Jesus a good idea or absolute reality to you? Is He one that you know about or one you are coming to know? Have you come to study the scriptures as an end, or are you coming to the scriptures as a means to a greater end which is a growing knowledge of and communion with Christ?

If you only know of Jesus' love because of what you have been taught, I pray that you will come to experience and encounter His love in ever growing ways within your life.

Jesus is risen, active, and alive. He has sent His Spirit to dwell with us and in us. This is not just a truth to be comprehended and claimed, but is also a reality to be experienced and lived in!

Obedience and Outcomes

2011-10-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months I have come to realize that I carry with me a hidden belief that is quite common in our culture but is actually not biblical. I probably would never have theologically claimed this belief, but it still was influencing me none the less. This belief is the belief that we are called to produce outcomes. It is the idea that production and outcomes are the gage for success. Now in some facets of life what you produce and the outcomes of your efforts are an important gage to be cognizant of. But the danger is when we begin to apply this gage upon our obedience to God’s call. And it becomes down right destructive when we begin to believe that God’s pleasure in us is rooted in what we can produce and achieve for Him.

Jesus tells us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. But if we are honest with ourselves many in the church live under great burden. Many minister, burdened by a feeling that they need to produce more growth, see more saved, garner a greater response to their efforts. Consciously or subconsciously we begin to think that in order to please our Father we need to do more, accomplish more, and see more impressive outcomes.

We often live under great burden because we do not carry the weight of what God has entrusted to us, but instead begin to try to carry the weight that He alone is to carry. If you look through the whole of scripture you will find a very simple and reoccurring call entrusted to God’s people. The responsibility we have been given is immensely important, yet there is very little we are responsible for. This reoccurring call entrusted to us, the responsibility given to us, is purely and simply obedience born out of love. From the establishment of God’s Law through Moses to the summary of the Law given by Jesus, it comes down to this one thing that God desires of us, to love Him and obey Him.

We are responsible to obey God, but the outcome of our obedience is never placed on us. We are called to simply trust Him and obey Him out of love for Him.

As ministers we are called to use what God has given us, to do what He has asked of us. But as the analogy goes, if we have been asked to sow seeds, we are to sow the seeds given to us. If we are asked to till the soil, we are to get tilling. If we are given water and told to water the seeds, that is what we must do. But in all of that, it is made very clear that the growth belongs to God and God alone.

In the same way within the NT we are called to proclaim the Gospel, but it also reminds us that salvation belongs to the Lord. We are called to use our gifts to edify the church, but it is God who builds His church. We are to disciple others, but the scriptures tell us that it is the Holy Spirit that sanctifies.

Even with respect to our own personal walk we are told to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” What is interesting in this passage is that the Greek word that we translate “work out” is an agricultural term that was used to convey the idea of cultivating the land. So we are to cultivate our life to produce an environment for growth. But even in our own life, the growth belongs to God and God alone!

As a preacher and church planter it is very hard for me to not see my success or lack of success as being on my shoulders. It is hard when you do not see much success or growth to not then begin to think that God is somehow not pleased with you.

Yet I’m reminded of the many great men found in the scriptures. They had a calling by God, many were obedient in that call, but they saw very different outcomes.

You have to ask the question “would God have been displeased with Peter’s proclamation on Pentecost if instead of 3,000 coming to faith, none responded”? Jeremiah spent his life proclaiming a message that NO ONE responded to. Was God displeased with Jeremiah’s lack of effect? I believe that God was pleased with Peter not because 3,000 repented, but because God called Him to proclaim the Gospel and at that moment Peter obeyed. God would not have been more pleased with Jeremiah if the people repented and listened, because God's call on Jeremiah was to proclaim the words God gave him, not to change the people so they will listen.

It is so important for us to remember that we are responsible to obey, but God is responsible for outcomes. A few years back I got an opportunity to sit and talk with Dallas Willard. I will always remember a statement he made to me. He said “as a minister you must always remember to give all you have to be obedient in what God has called you to do, but as soon as you begin concerning yourself with or trying to manipulate outcomes, you have now begun playing God.” He then said “and last time I checked, playing God is frowned upon in scripture.”

So it is important we remember that we are only responsible for one thing and that one thing is obedience. But we must also realize that though we are not responsible for many things, the one thing we are responsible for is huge. No matter what He is calling you to do, no matter how large or small the perceived outcome will be, you have been called by the King of kings and the Lord of lord’s and that is incredibly important.

Not so that but Just because

2011-10-13T13:24:00.001-07:00

In the midst of the many trials and challenges we have faced, God has blessed me immensely by doing a great work on my own heart. As He has been shaping me, convicting me, and transforming me, He has also been teaching me greatly. One way in which God has been teaching me is by posing questions to me. Many of these questions have been piercing and most of them have been directed toward my heart and the motivations behind what I'm doing and asking for. I want to share one of the piercing realities God hit me with over the past few months.

In the midst of planting E3 in Pittsburgh we have been dealing with issues concerning our previous home in Stafford Va. God called us to move back to Pittsburgh at the heart of the housing collapse. So now we are (as many American families are) stuck with a home that is worth far less than we owe on it. Over the past few years we have been loosing money on the house and no longer could afford it. Anyway that is not the point of this story, but to keep it short we are now facing possible foreclosure and even possibly bankruptcy if the bank decides to pursue the difference owed on the house. (OK now to the lesson God taught me!)

One night Coleen and I were talking about everything happening with our house, about the real possibility of foreclosure, and the possibility of things leading to bankruptcy. As we were talking I began to share with Coleen that we don't need to worry about it because it was out of our control and as long as we remain obedient God will take care of us. Now I would say in one sense that statement is true. But not in the manner in which we American Christians use the statements "provide or take care of".

What I meant by the statement I made to Coleen was that as long as we remain faithful and obedient we will not have to face bankruptcy and God will meet our financial needs in a manner in which I would see fit.

But in the midst of making the statement to Coleen I felt the Spirit check me. All of a sudden this thought consumed my mind and my heart began to stir within me. I caught myself mid sentence and looked at Coleen and said "baby I don't know what will happen, God may miraculously provide a way out or we could face bankruptcy. Heck we may lose everything. But you know what? We will obey our God because He is worthy of our obedience no matter what the outcome is!"

That idea then has stuck with me, challenged me, and caused me to look at how we so often motivate others and our self. I came to realize that we so often obey "so that". We obey "so that" God will then provide or bless. In ministry it is so often stated "if you remain faithful God will prosper your ministry, provide for your church, etc, etc." How often when taking a leap of faith by stepping into a risky calling in the area of ministry and missions do we rationalize "as long as I remain faithful God will protect me." We continually carry with us a motivation based upon an idea that we must be obedient "so that". "So that" He will bless, "so that" He will prosper, "so that" He will protect, "so that" etc.

But over the past months God has been showing me how much we are missing because of how shallow and limited our devotion often is. God began to show me that if my motivation is born out of some form of self preservation or promotion then it is still a fallen motivation. God desires that He be our highest pursuit and, as God, His Glory would be our greatest motivation.

With respect to this idea I'm drawn to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Most of you know the story of how they were thrown into the fiery furnace because the refused to worship the idol of the King and how they were not burnt while in the fire. It is one of those bible stories we love to tell and hold on to concerning God's protection given to those living in obedience to Him. Yet we so often miss what motivated these 3 boys.

When given the chance to worship the idol and avoid being thrown into the furnace, the 3 boys responded in an interesting manner. The said that yes their God could deliver them from the fire, but that even if He does not they would not bow down to another God. In other words they were saying to the king "my God can do as He pleases and if it pleases Him to keep us from burning, we will not burn. But know this, even if we burn to our death, we will obey and worship our God no matter what, because He alone is worthy of our worship, whether we dance in the fire or burn in the fire."

You see these 3 young men were obeying their God "just because" He was worthy of their obedience, not "so that" they would not have to get burnt.

In the same way we love the story of Daniel in the lions den, how God shut the mouth of the lions. Yet how many thousands of our brothers and sisters in early Rome were torn to shreds by the lions in the den! Were they any less obedient?

How about Paul that faced beatings, poverty, prison, and eventually a beheading? Or all of the other Apostles on that note.

I truly believe that we often need to motivate ourselves by lesser things because we have not truly grasped the awesome majesty of our Lord. I believe the more we see Him as He truly is, the more we will live a life of absolute obedience, not "so that", but just because our God is so incredibly amazing, just because He alone is worthy.

Now I'm not saying that we foolishly place ourselves or our families at risk. I'm not saying that God will not provide and protect. But I am saying that whether He be glorified by the provision and protection granted us in our obedience or if He is most glorified by our obedience in the face of loss and even death, we are to seek His Glory no matter what and worship and obey "just because" He is the only one truly worthy of our worship and obedience.

Spring always follows winter

2011-10-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

There is an old phrase that goes "things always get harder before they get easier" or is it "things will get worse before they get better"? Maybe I just made them up and that isn't an old phrase at all? Well none the less I think there is some truth found in those phrases.

I've never given birth but my wife has and from my perception the whole "birthing" deal didn't start out really intense then gradually get easier before the baby is born. From what I have heard the pain, intensity, and exhaustion grows until you hit a peak and then all of a sudden there is a baby.

The same is true in athletics. A marathon does not begin very challenging and then get easier toward the end. This also holds true in nature. Even for one who loves winter as I do, winter during March in Pittsburgh is pretty hard to handle. In December when it is grey 30 and snowing there is excitement. In late March when it is grey 30 and snowing there is depression. The closer we get to Spring the harder it is bare the cold grey weather of Pittsburgh winters.

But one thing is clear in all of these things. The closer you get to a breakthrough, to new life, or to refreshing change, the harder it is to bare the challenges at hand and the more intense the trial gets.

Nothing shows this reality to be more true than the passion of our Lord. Right before the greatest event in all human history we had the most horrific event in all human history. We really confuse things when we refer to the day in which Christ was crucified as "good Friday". If you were a disciple of Christ on that first "good" Friday you would have found nothing good about it. The only completely innocent man in history was brutally killed. The hope for God's restoration and promised Kingdom was crushed. I would imagine that the Saturday before Resurrection Sunday was probably the worst, most despairing, and depressing day in the lives of all who placed their hope in Jesus. But right when it seems that all possible hope was lost, resurrection happened. Right when it seemed like the grey, cold, dead winter will never end, Spring hits. Right when the pain of child birth feels like it will kill you, a baby comes out.

The only reason we can call Good Friday "good" is because of the outcome on that following Sunday. What was seen as very bad in hindsight became good because of what it produced "the redemption of many."

As I hope you see, more often than not, things will get harder before they get easier and things will seem to be getting worse before they get better.

I heard an old time preacher say recently that "God's gotta break a man before He will use a man." I would add "a man's gotta get emptied out before he can be filled up." Paul states that we need to be made weak before we will have any true strength. He also says that the way to partaking in Christ's resurrected life is through facing death to self by partaking in Christ's crucifixion.

As I look around outside there is signs of Spring, but they are also calling for snow this weekend up here in Pittsburgh. I don't think I can handle being held up in my house one more day. I've had all of the 30 some degrees and wet snow I need for this year. Yet even though I'm freakin out, I know Spring is right around the corner.

So if you have been enduring a very trying season, I want to encourage you to hold on. When you feel you can run no more, the finish line is nearer than ever. When you feel you cannot push one more time, the baby is just about to come out. When you begin to think that if we have one more week of cold grey weather you will lose your mind, Spring is just about to come.

Abiding

2011-10-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

God has been showing me more and more my need for total dependence upon Him. An ongoing theme found in the NT is the idea the our calling is to abide in Christ, His responsibility is to produce fruit in our life and in the world around us. This theological concept was one I readily accepted for a long time, but the depth and the literal meaning of this concept has gone from theology to reality in my life. God has been breaking me, shaping me, and revealing my dependence upon Him for a while now. But right when you think you understand how dependant we are on Him He often shows us we have no idea. Ever drawing us into a deeper communion and dependence upon Him.

There is much that can be accomplished under our own strength. We can create many things that have an appearance of greatness. We can create an appearance of activity, growth, and movement. But though our influence can be ever growing, wide stretching, there is no depth, no lasting substance to the work we do in our own strength. We can convince someone to emotionally respond to a sermon, we can gather people, we can create a sense of excitement, we can do many things if we work hard enough at it. But salvation belongs to the Lord, true transformation is of the sanctifying work of the Spirit, it is the Spirit of the Lord that brings man to true conviction, and it is only the mighty hand of God that can truly bring about His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (isn't that why we are asked to pray for this?) Something I have been saying a lot recently is "with hard work and right technique we can grow a church but only God can truly transform an individual and only God can change a city."

The hard thing is not understanding this reality. The hard thing is trusting it. The hard thing is to remain fully dependant upon the power of God working in us through the Holy Spirit. To show this struggle I'm going to share a story that recently happened here at E3.

On Tuesday mornings we meet to pray from 7 to 9 am. There is usually 2 to 4 of us praying in our storefront. Recently we have had many awesome encounters in which individuals come into the storefront because they see us praying, asking us for prayer. A few Tuesdays ago a small group of us were praying for our city and church. I was in the midst of praying that God would teach us to trust in His strength, praying that God would build His church by His power, and would protect us from seeking to build this church under our own strength.

While I was in the midst of this prayer a middle aged Italian man walked into the storefront. I stopped my prayer to ask the man what he was in need of. The man looked at us with a bewildered look on his face. It appeared that he was some what confused to how he ended up in our church. I also noticed that once he realized he was in a church he began to anxiously figure out how he can get out! We asked if he needed any prayer then convinced him to sit down for a bit. The man began sharing about his struggle with drugs, how he has been in and out of prison for years, and how messed up his life is. He then shared that he had some prescription drugs on him (enough to kill himself with) and that he was heading to the liquor store to get a fifth and was planning to kill himself. He then shared that he was unsure why he came in! At that moment I realized that as we were praying the Spirit of God had drawn this man into our midst. This was such an incredible (and pretty quick I might add) answer to our prayers. God was miraculously leading this man to E3 purely by His Spirit. As incredible as this was, this is only part of the story.

I wish I could tell you that I began praying listening to God's Spirit to receive the right words to share with this man. That I began to speak and he fell under conviction and received Christ. But instead I immediately took my focus off Christ and began hitting this man with the best argumentation I had. I eloquently shared the Gospel (with 2 or 3 solid examples). But had no response. So I figured I needed to hit him with an even greater argument for the Gospel. After a few minutes of preaching the Gospel to this man he looked at me to speak. In my mind I was thinking "alright here we go, he is going to break down and ask to receive Christ". Instead he looked at me and said "dude you know what, has anyone ever told you that you look like that guy from Korn?"

Instead of crying out "what then must I do to be saved" as I had imagined, he told me that I look like Brian Welch!

The man did not receive Christ at that moment but did ask for us to pray for him. He then left the church, heading the opposite direction (away from the liquor store).

God in His sovereignty kept this man from killing himself and also gave me a great lesson.

So as I'm learning I ask you. Are you busy trying to make fruit or are you focused on abiding?

Roman's 8:28

2011-10-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28 has been a huge verse for myself and our church over the past weeks. This is a passage that I have known well for many years. It is one of those bible versus that are often quoted and found on inspirational posters and cards. It is an encouraging verse. The problem is that many of us know this verse but few actually truly rest in it.

So much energy and time is waisted being stressed and frustrated because of our circumstances. I know I have spent many hours of my life worrying about the uncertainty found in circumstances out of my control and even more hours upset because things are not working out as I had hoped. When things are not going as you would desire it is easy to anticipate the bad that will come from it. The pain, stress, and frustration that follows hard times is very real to us and it is very hard for us to not focus on what seems most real. So when God says that He will work ALL THINGS for good, we are challenged to rearrange our entire perspective on the circumstances around us.

If the roof of your house begins to leak, your work is cutting back, someone in your family gets sick, etc. our natural response would be to analyze the situation and then prepare for all of the "bad" or negative consequences we will face. When "bad" things happen it is only logical to expect bad outcomes. But 8:28 challenges us to assume that good will come of it.

The key though is to realize that 8:28 is not stating that all things will be good. No, it says all things will work for good. It is not saying that all circumstances will be good ones. It is not saying that if you love God you will not lose your job, your house, your spouse, your child. It does not promise that you will not face pain, hunger, and sickness. It makes no claim that you will not be slandered, betrayed, attacked, or abused. What it does promise is that ALL THINGS will work together for good for those who love God.

This is not a passage that promises a change of ones circumstances. This is a passage that changes ones perspective in spite of the circumstances.

What is so powerful and freeing is that Paul uses the all encompassing phrase "all things". In the Greek that phrase means "all things". All things means all things! This includes success and failure, slander and praise, sickness and health, all the good times and all the bad. Yes all things even includes our screw ups!

What this is telling us is that if we are called according to His purposes and love Him we can rest assured that no matter what happens to us or around us, good will ultimately result from it.

But the challenge is that the fullness of the promise given in this verse will never be realized by merely understanding it. We must believe it and trust God at His word.This does not mean saying "amen" and holding this as truth. This means actually responding to our circumstances with a sense of anticipation, anticipating God to bring about good no matter what is happening.

This is not a new verse for me and I have not gained a new understanding of what it is teaching (I've known and understood this verse for a long time). This verse has become so important to me because I have truly began living as if this verse were true. For so long I stressed about stuff that was out of my control. I would get down when things were not going well. But over the past weeks I have begun allowing God change my perspective. Instead of getting down and frustrated when "bad" stuff happens, I have started looking for the good God will bring from it. It may sound weird but I have found myself having a sense of anticipation when hardships come because I have a deep sense of excitement for the good I know God will bring.

The good is not necessarily found in a changed situation, it is often better, because the good so often ends up being true change within our own life. So often the "good" God brings about is a deeper walk with Him, and if you have encountered the Living God, you would know He is the greatest "good" one could ever receive!

So when I have a rough day, get bad news, or something frustrating happens with the church, instead of stressing and fretting, I've begun asking a couple questions. First; is God sovereign and is He good? If yes then nothing is out of His control and we know that He will work all things for good. Second; what is the good God wants bring out of this situation? After asking this second question I begin looking for the "good" God is bringing about through the situation.

If we would truly rest in the fact that God is both sovereign and good we would be enabled to have a joyful anticipation, looking for the "good" God is bringing about no matter what we face!