Heaven’s Philanthropy – Ken Boa

This is such a great reminder of the vast treasure we have been given in Christ. Ken Boa does an excellent job, as always, of describing the beauty of God’s love and kindness to us in Christ. Here is the article:

“Heavenly Philanthropy  Titus 3:4-5
Andrew Carnegie, Alfred Sloan, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Ezra Cornell, Samuel Kress, Andrew Mellon, Will Kellogg, Leland Stanford, James Duke -names associated with two things in America: making money and giving money away. History remembers these legendary philanthropists because of their willingness to meet human and civic needs through the distribution of their wealth. Hospitals, universities, museums, libraries, and charitable foundations funded by philanthropists are worthy efforts to show love for the human race-for one’s fellow man.

While the actions of philanthropists are commendable (they reflect the giving nature of God, in whose image philanthropists are created), they differ markedly from the example set by the Philanthropist-God himself. The key to understanding God as philanthropist is in Paul’s words written to Titus. It was the “kindness and love” of God that was made manifest when he gave his Son as a gift to the world. The “love” that God demonstrated is philanthropia in Greek, “love for mankind.” It is plain to see why we label as philanthropists those who give gifts for the benefit of mankind. And yet note the distinctions between human and divine philanthropy.

Human philanthropists meet earthly, temporal needs. Schools, hospitals, and the like have limited application. They meet the needs of a limited number of people in a specific geographical area during a particular window of time in human history. Divine philanthropy, on the other hand, meets spiritual, eternal needs. God’s gift to mankind is for all people, in every nation, for all eternity. And while one common element-the needs of human beings-unites all philanthropy, one final distinction separates God’s gift from all other human gifts. Human philanthropists give things of limited value-a small portion of a vast estate-whereas God gave his most valued “possession,” his own Son.
You, like most people, have benefited from philanthropists’ generosity. But are you also one who has received the gift of the divine Philanthropist? His gift of kindness and love, his own Son, is yours for the receiving. Those who receive by believing are the chosen recipients of God’s heavenly philanthropy.”

God’s Promise to You: “I have given to you my most treasured gift, my own Son.”

The Great Theme of the Believer’s Life in Christ

Much of our world desires to have a theme. There is constant change to accomodate the new theme that has been presented or an outcry to return to the old themes of the past. A theme is a specific and distinctive quality or characteristic and everyone seeks to have a theme to their lives. It is the norm for our theme to change with different life stages. As a child, really unaware that you even seek a distinctive quality, there is a desire to love your parents and to be loved by them in return. As a teen the theme is changed from childlke submission to a desire for freedom and a yearning to be on your own. As adults, the theme of our lives depends upon so many factors such as marriage, family, career, singleness, and friendships. Indeed, we revolve around different themes all throughout our life.

Scripture gives an astonishing picture of the theme in the life of the Believer. This great distinctive characteristic stands above all else and it is simply this: The Lord is With You. Think about this statement. The Infinite, Unchanging, Holy, Perfect, Eternal, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Ever Truthful, and Spectacularly Glorious is with you because you have been adopted into His family through Christ Jesus. In every aspect of your life and all the changing of your life, one thing stands unchanging and true: The Lord is With You! All of life then comes down to this truth. Our response is surrender, gratitude, and worship. Praise be to our God who never abandons us and has made us His own special possesion in Christ Jesus. Not because we deserved it but simply out of gracious love for us. Praise the Lord!

The Defense of the Gospel in the Church

One of the greatest joys a believer can express is spoken by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives within me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me.” This summary statement expresses the complete trust, identity, and hope the believer has in Christ. This particular passage stands out in chapter 2 in that Paul lists 3 opponents to whom we must defend the gospel.

Whe I speak of defending the gospel, the area of apologetics normally comes to mind and rightly so. This is a tremendous area of help to the believer as they learn the validity of the gospel can be upheld in the midst of an environment hostile toward this precious truth. What about defending the gospel in the church? How does the church, which professes to know Christ and to be servants of Him, oppose the truth of the Gospel? There are 3 key areas highlighted by Paul that I will address:

1.) Legalism: Paul, in verse 5, says that He did not yield to those who had slipped in to spy our their freedom in Christ in order that He might preserve the Gospel for the gentiles. Legalism is deadly to the life of the believer. It emphasizes rules or relationship and cultivates a life which rests upon the efforts of self rather than resting upon the work of Christ in one’s life. When a church emphasizes legalism, it is emphasizing the gospel of self and not of Christ. Self, or flesh as it is commonly called, is sinful and scripture makes it abundantly clear that it must be put to death by daily denying self, taking up the cross (dying), and surrendering to Christ.

2.) Hypocrisy: This is another area in which the gospel must be defended. Peter, who has come along way since the night of Christ’s arrest and trial, is fellowshipping with gentile believers when we withdraws because of the legalistic jews arrived at the scene. Paul openly confronts this because he understand the danger of hypocrisy to the gospel. How is hypocrisy a danger to the gospel? It is clearly out of step with the truth of the gospel. The good news of Christ is not merely for one group of people only but for all those whom God leads to it. Hypocrisy, again a product of self, seeks to put limits on the gospel and it destroys its credibilty to all who see you. It is no wonder that this theme of hypocrisy seems to keep so many away from the church and the gospel.

3.) Performance: The third key area that the gospel must be defended against is performance based acceptance with God. These “works” of seeking to secure God’s favor is exhausting and unproductive. More than this, they are extremely burdensome because one must day in and day out “try” to do enough good things to some way secure God’s glorious and infinite love. Christians often live in this trap not realizing their hope, position, and identity in the Lord. Just as one cannot earn salvation with God through good works neither can one keep salvation by doing good works. The works of our lives are as a result of Christ in us and the work of His Holy Spirit producing HIs fruit in our lives. Performance based love and acceptance is a trap both prior to and after one receive’s salvation.

The gospel is the glorious good news that Almighty, infinite, eternal, completely Holy God has sent His Son Jesus Christ to become sin on our behalf in order that we may become His righteousness in Christ. He has done it all and we must not yield one inch of gospel ground to legalism, hypocrisy, or performance based works. This is the truth in which we live. Let us defend the Gospel in our world and in our churches. For the glory of God alone!

Return to Mayberry

Well, it has officially been over a year since I have last written on this blog. Life has been incredibly busy and the days have quickly flown by. I will begin posting on this blog again 2 times a week with the themes of discipleship and spiritual formation. I am grateful for the grace of God in my life and may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to the Lord.

By the way, if you wonder why Mayberry, then let me briefly share with you. Growing up, The Andy Griffith Show was HUGE in my house. Now, I am only 31 but my dad loved it and so I grew to loe it as well. I still enjoy watching reruns and quoting the best lines. My dad used to joke that if he could ever move to Mayberry he would. I thought of this as I grew older and now I find Mayberry appealing as well. It is a place where there are no worries, struggles, and everyone gets along. No debt, economic crisis, social injustice, and so on. I believe that everyone desires to find a “mayberry” but never succeed because reality shows that Mayberry is not real. It does not exist and thus the hopes of people are dashed. They resign themselves to surviving life and hoping for the best.

The good news is that while Mayberry may not exist, there is a place that is far better. It is a place where true joy, hope, peace, and joy abound. This place is found at a cross. Yes, a cross. That cruel instrument of torture and death. How can a cross lead to these things? Very simply: the person who died on that cross. Jesus Christ is our glorious Savior who died as our substitute and was wonderfully raised from the grave thus defeating death and sin. He accomplished what we could not and that was reconciliation to God. He did so and offers to us new life. This new life is found in turning from sin and by faith trusting in Him. When one does this, they discover a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Christ, because He is risen, becomes your very life. This is all possible because of the cross and the empty grave that followed it. Friend, you can find this joy when you appropriate, that is embrace, what Christ has done for you.

Trials and Faith

2 sundays ago, I began a new sermon series out of the book of James. The theme of James is that we as believers should have a faith that is alive. In every area of life, our faith should live and breath. Too often, I’m afraid, we live such segmented lives. We have our church life, family life, social life, and so on; but the idea of a divided life should not be in the thought of believers. In His atonement for us, Christ purchased us by his blood and he now lives in us and through us to accomplish his will and to conform us to his image. Therefore, our lives should be marked by genuine faith in him and a faith that transcends every facet of our being. To this end, James wrote and encouraged, often strongly, the church to live out their faith each day.

One of the greatest difficulties in living out our faith is when we face trials. These times of suffering and hardship can rattle and shake our trust in the Lord alone. James teaches us that God uses trials in the live of his people to test our faith and to grow us up in the faith. Believers, understanding that God is using trials for his purpose and glory are called upon to seek, by/in/with faith the wisdom that God gives so generously. Trials are not meant to tear down our faith but rather they meant to building us, maturing us, and shaping us to live by God’s perspective and to live with His identity.

We cannot pretend they are pretty nor can we wear rose color glasses when we consider the harshipd of this life. We can simply trust in the soveriegn goodness of our God and live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us. Only then, can we consider it pure joy when we fall into various trials…

Update

Well, as you can tell, it has been a while since I have updated my blog and so I wanted to let you know that I am now the lead pastor at CrossPoint Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Arkansas. My family and I are truly enjoying the people here in our new place of ministry as well enjoying the glory of the unknown. It is interesting how the Lord works in our lives. He often uses such simple items to capture our attention; to remind us of His unfailing love and steadfast hope. I have been reminded of this truth as I have settled in here at CrossPoint. God nevers leads us where His soveriegn grace does not keep us. I am grateful for my Lord and His marvelous grace. I hope to become more active on this site and to discuss matters of faith, culture, and truth. I will seek to be original in my content; only allowing for articles that teach a wonderful truth from scripture. I am glad to be up to date.

facebook: crosspoint baptist greenbrier

The Majesty of God

Sitting enthroned as King over all
Nothing escapes your attention, big or small
A Declaration to all of His greatness revealed
An Invitation to worship for all who will
Great is the Lord and worthy of praise
Infinite, Eternal, and Holy are His ways
No eye has seen, no ear has heard
The Greatness of our God’s matchless worth!

A Mom’s Word

This a blog post from Desiring God that I felt really addressed the issue of faith and family:

A Crucial Word from Machen’s Mother
February 23, 2009 | By: John Piper
Category: Commentary

J. Gresham Machen, one of the great proclaimers and defenders of the Christian faith in the early 20th century, went through a season of fearful doubt on his way to solid confidence. Remarkably, it was his mother who spoke one of the decisive words of rescue. He tells the story:

The question is not merely whether we can rest in our faith, but whether we can rest in the doubt that is the necessary alternative of faith. We pass sometimes through periods of very low spiritual vitality. The wonderful gospel which formerly seemed to be so glorious comes to seem almost like an idle tale. Hosts of objections arise in our minds; the whole unseen world recedes in the dim distance, and we think for the moment that we have relinquished the Christian hope….

My mother [spoke to me] in those dark hours when the lamp burned dim, when I thought that faith was gone and shipwreck had been made of my soul. “Christ,” she used to say, “keeps firmer hold on us than we keep on him.”

My mother’s word meant…that salvation by faith does not mean that we are saved because we keep ourselves at every moment in an ideally perfect attitude of confidence in Christ. No, we are saved because having once been united to Christ by faith, we are his forever. Calvinism is a very comforting doctrine indeed. Without its comfort, I think I should have perished long ago in the castle of Giant Despair. (J. Gresham Machen: Selected Shorter Writings, 561)

6 Study Essentials by Mark Driscoll

Six Study EssentialsMark Driscoll

1. Have a good Bible.
Every Christian needs a good Bible that they can easily read and enjoy. A translation such as the English Standard Version (ESV), the ESV Study Bible is very well done, or the New International Version (NIV) is preferable as your primary reading Bible, although there are many other translations that are also quite good (e.g., New King James Version, New American Standard Version).

2. Have some good Christian books.
If you want to build a reference library, the first book you should buy is A Commentary and Reference Survey by John Glynn by John Glynn. That book will tell you which other books are the best resources available for in-depth Christian study and anyone who is serious about studying should have a copy of this book.

3. Have some good (free) online study resources.
There are many great websites that can help you do Bible word studies and such for free. Good examples include the following, with the first one built and run by Mars Hill elder, Zack Hubert:

ReGreek specializes in word studies from the Bible ‘s original languages.
Crosswalk has many translations and Bible study tools.
Bible Gateway has many translations and Bible study tools.
CCEL has most of the major works from Christian history for free and a “Study Bible” feature that pulls up historical church commentary on specified verses.
E Sword has numerous Bible study tools.

4. Have some good Bible software.
If you can afford it, Bible study software provides some amazing resources and companies like Logos Bible Software are worth considering.

5. Have some good websites.
There are many great resources available for free on the web with articles, books, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and MP3s. The following are some recommendations:

Desiring God is the website featuring a large repository of sermons and articles from my friend, Dr. John Piper.
Covenant Seminary has a “Free Downloads” link on their front page that will enable you to listen to hundreds of hours of their class lectures on many areas of Christian study. I am grateful to my friends at Covenant who have given the church such a gracious gift.
Mars Hill Church is where hundreds of hours of my teaching is available for free and has been the number one podcast on iTunes for religion and spirituality.
carm has good articles on cults, world religions, and apologetical issues.
equip.org has good articles, book reviews, and more, on cults, world religions, and apologetical issues.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/historyhas some great articles on Christian history and biography.
http://www.monergism.com has an almost overwhelming number of free articles on nearly every theological issue from a Reformed perspective.

6. Have some good community.
Most of the Bible was written to communities of people and is therefore best studied in community with other Christians. For this reason, getting plugged into a Community Group and/or taking midweek classes in addition to regularly attending a Sunday church service is essential.
__________________________________

If you have any comments- feel free to go over the the Resurgence Facebook Page and start a new discussion topic.theresurgence-20
Filed Under: Theological Books Bibliography Scripture Apologetics Christian Living Technology
Mark Driscoll’s blog

The Spirit and the Word

“We must never divorce what God has married, namely his Word and his Spirit. The Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. The Spirit without the Word is weaponless; the Word without the Spirit is powerless.” (The Message of Thessalonians pg. 34)

Preach the necessity for the Holy Ghost’s divine operations. … ‘Men must be told that they are dead, and that only the Holy Spirit can quicken them; that the Spirit works according to his own good pleasure, and that no man can claim his visitations or deserve his aid. This is thought to be very discouraging teaching, and so it is, but men need to be discouraged when they are seeking salvation in a wrong manner. To put them out of conceit of their own abilities is a great help toward bringing them to look out of self to another, even the Lord Jesus. The doctrine of election and other great truths which declare salvation to be all of grace, and to be, not the right of the creature, but the gift of the Sovereign Lord, are all calculated to hide pride from man, and so prepare him to receive the mercy of God.’
– C.H. Spurgeon (from Lectures to My Students)