[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]
Acts 6:8 - 7:60 records the message and death of Stephen the martyr.
When we read 1 Peter 2:24 and Colossians 1:24, we could interpret wrongly that grace is both about Christ's death and Paul's work.
Rather, we must recognize that the cross is a gift that is complete, there is nothing to add to grace. So, in Romans 10:13-15, we learn that from that free gift, when God calls us to do something... we do it! When he calls us to go... we go! Even if death is the cost for following his call.
Stephen knew this well and was, consequently, the first known Christian martyr. So, what was his motivation? What was his message? How was he martyred?
Stephen's motivation:
1. He was full of the Holy Spirit.
2. He was full of wisdom.
3. He was full of faith.
4. He was full of power.
5. He was full of the grace of God (Acts 6:8).
Stephen's message [Rather than summarizing in my words, here are the biblical passages that basically explains the content of Stephen's message]:
Acts 7:48-50; Romans 10:4; John 4:23-24; Acts 7:54, 57; Acts 7:58a
Stephen's Martyrdom:
1. There is a hope for something more than this life (Acts 7:55).
2. He saw Jesus (Acts 7:55; Matthew 10:32). Actually, Jesus is described as standing when Stephen dies. Commentaries explain that this gesture is really symbolic of an invitation into the presence of God. In this sense, God the Son is our intermediary to the eternal and majestic God the Father.
3. Our lives end with sleep, not death (Acts 8:60). The word "death" or "died" are not used because we are told to look forward to the rest that is to come.
Lastly, Stephen died for the conversion of one man (Acts 22:17-21). Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, explains that God used Stephen's death to call him to repent and convert. Paul, subsequently, was used and led by the Spirit to impart the knowledge of God and the gospel in his letters in the New Testament.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Reflection - D.A. Carson
Christ tells us to remain in his love by exactly the same means that he remains in his Father's love - by obedience (John 15:9). Thus we are disciplined, in love, that we might be loving and obedient children of the living God.
All this has transformed us, so that we in turn perceive the sheer rightness of the first commandment - to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. As that is the first and greatest commandment, so the first and greatest sin is not to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. For there is no remedy, save what God himself has provided - in love.
The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God
All this has transformed us, so that we in turn perceive the sheer rightness of the first commandment - to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. As that is the first and greatest commandment, so the first and greatest sin is not to love God with heart and soul and mind and strength. For there is no remedy, save what God himself has provided - in love.
The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God
Thursday, November 23, 2006
What is my Calling?
A lot of people ask this question: "What is my calling?"
It is a wonderful thing for a person to realize that they are called into some sort of Godly service. By asking this question, it is obvious that such a person is committed, or at least preparing to commit, to a life in Christ. No doubt, there is much to be celebrated in this.
That being said, we must still clarify for those who don't know, and correct those who think they know, what "calling" really means.
In the Old Testament, God simply called people into ministry. He called Abraham to be the father of a nation. He called David to be the King of Israel. The question, "What is my calling", may easily imply that we have a choice in the matter. This is far from the case in the Old Testament. People who are "called" did not discern God's will or deliberate on what their paths were, they were simply sent. At times, they were even put in ministry situations against their own will.
In the New Testament, "calling" was not understood as a "vocation" or "ministry". Rather, "calling", or klesis, was used in terms of a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29; 2 Corinthians 1:2). This means that calling, much like the Old Testament understanding, is not preceded by a process of discerning God's will, nor is it a means in pointing us towards some particular ministry. The New Testament understanding of "calling" is only about living under the grace of God.
He who has saved us, and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9
How and why is this important?
It's important because everything must start with the cross. We hold on to the truth that it is by faith alone, and not by our works. It's important because we can now stop asking the question "What is my calling?", and by faith alone say "I AM CALLED!"
So what about ministry?
After Dr. Gregory House's leg was healed in Episode 1 of Season 3, in the joy of being healed he relentlessly exercised his leg. In the same way, in the joy of being healed (or called) by Christ we relentlessly exercise our spirit.
Only then can we ask the right question(s). Professor John Bowen suggests asking these specific questions about ministry: What are my gifts? What gifts do others see in me? Will the church recognize and bless the exercise of my gifts, and if so how? What gifts do I lack, and therefore what kind of gifts do other leaders around me need to have?
I hope that this explains some things. But more than that, I pray that we can be joyful together in serving the Lord.
It is a wonderful thing for a person to realize that they are called into some sort of Godly service. By asking this question, it is obvious that such a person is committed, or at least preparing to commit, to a life in Christ. No doubt, there is much to be celebrated in this.
That being said, we must still clarify for those who don't know, and correct those who think they know, what "calling" really means.
In the Old Testament, God simply called people into ministry. He called Abraham to be the father of a nation. He called David to be the King of Israel. The question, "What is my calling", may easily imply that we have a choice in the matter. This is far from the case in the Old Testament. People who are "called" did not discern God's will or deliberate on what their paths were, they were simply sent. At times, they were even put in ministry situations against their own will.
In the New Testament, "calling" was not understood as a "vocation" or "ministry". Rather, "calling", or klesis, was used in terms of a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:26; Romans 11:29; 2 Corinthians 1:2). This means that calling, much like the Old Testament understanding, is not preceded by a process of discerning God's will, nor is it a means in pointing us towards some particular ministry. The New Testament understanding of "calling" is only about living under the grace of God.
He who has saved us, and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9
How and why is this important?
It's important because everything must start with the cross. We hold on to the truth that it is by faith alone, and not by our works. It's important because we can now stop asking the question "What is my calling?", and by faith alone say "I AM CALLED!"
So what about ministry?
After Dr. Gregory House's leg was healed in Episode 1 of Season 3, in the joy of being healed he relentlessly exercised his leg. In the same way, in the joy of being healed (or called) by Christ we relentlessly exercise our spirit.
Only then can we ask the right question(s). Professor John Bowen suggests asking these specific questions about ministry: What are my gifts? What gifts do others see in me? Will the church recognize and bless the exercise of my gifts, and if so how? What gifts do I lack, and therefore what kind of gifts do other leaders around me need to have?
I hope that this explains some things. But more than that, I pray that we can be joyful together in serving the Lord.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Letter
The following is a letter I wrote to a good friend. As I wrote this, I realized that this is exactly how I feel about the sisters at Faith Church:
In a strange sense, our weakness reveals our absolute need to rely on God's strength.
You are my sister. In that regard, I will never fail you. I will do that by reminding you as much as possible that you need Jesus. If that sounds idealistic, it is not. It is the truth that I know you believe, deep in your heart.
You are my friend. So be strengthened by the grace that is extended to both of us through Christ. I take this very seriously, and I will not compromise the faith given to me and to you.
I sense something more is happening that you aren't telling me. Whatever it may be, know that there is someone praying for you; I will pray for you. But be even more comforted by the very fact that the Spirit is interceding for you.
You are a wonderful child of God; and if you are with Jesus, you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Have peace in what I say, and know that I love you.
In a strange sense, our weakness reveals our absolute need to rely on God's strength.
You are my sister. In that regard, I will never fail you. I will do that by reminding you as much as possible that you need Jesus. If that sounds idealistic, it is not. It is the truth that I know you believe, deep in your heart.
You are my friend. So be strengthened by the grace that is extended to both of us through Christ. I take this very seriously, and I will not compromise the faith given to me and to you.
I sense something more is happening that you aren't telling me. Whatever it may be, know that there is someone praying for you; I will pray for you. But be even more comforted by the very fact that the Spirit is interceding for you.
You are a wonderful child of God; and if you are with Jesus, you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Have peace in what I say, and know that I love you.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sermon: Our Holy Pursuit
[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]
"Be killing sin, or it will be killing you." John Owen
The word "sin" has taken a backseat in our post-modern culture. But contrary to our culture, Apostle Paul's attitude towards sin was for it to be put to death. For him, there was no putting off sin, or middle ground to sin. We are either ruthless with sin, or reckless; serious, or foolish.
Why? Because sin is like a lion on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). We may close our eyes, but the lion will still be there.
How to pursue Holiness:
You have to be Christian (Colossians 3:1-4; 2:11-14). This is not a moral issue, it is a cross issue. We are not fixed on the morality of Christianity, we are consumed by the grace of Jesus, "who is the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
You cannot be a quietist. This is the view that: since God is in control of our faith we don't need to do anything. The pursuit of Holiness, however, is active and participatory, even if it is completely dependant on the work of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
How do you know you are pursuing Holiness? (A) Prayer; (B) Scripture. Are you praying to actively pursue Christ in complete dependance? Are you praying for God's strength to empower you to actively overcome, while giving all praise and credit to God? Is the word (scripture) sanctifying you? Are you eating the word of God?
Dealing with sin:
1. Slay sexual immorality (Colossians 3:5).
2. Slay idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
3. Strip hate (Colossians 3:8).
4. Strip deception (Colossians 3:9).
Why pursue Holiness?
1. So that your joy may be complete (John 15:10-11; Philippians 1:25-26).
2. So that God may be glorified (John 15:8; Philippians 1:9-11).
The pursuit of Holiness is not about you!
"Be killing sin, or it will be killing you." John Owen
The word "sin" has taken a backseat in our post-modern culture. But contrary to our culture, Apostle Paul's attitude towards sin was for it to be put to death. For him, there was no putting off sin, or middle ground to sin. We are either ruthless with sin, or reckless; serious, or foolish.
Why? Because sin is like a lion on the prowl (1 Peter 5:8). We may close our eyes, but the lion will still be there.
How to pursue Holiness:
You have to be Christian (Colossians 3:1-4; 2:11-14). This is not a moral issue, it is a cross issue. We are not fixed on the morality of Christianity, we are consumed by the grace of Jesus, "who is the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
You cannot be a quietist. This is the view that: since God is in control of our faith we don't need to do anything. The pursuit of Holiness, however, is active and participatory, even if it is completely dependant on the work of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
How do you know you are pursuing Holiness? (A) Prayer; (B) Scripture. Are you praying to actively pursue Christ in complete dependance? Are you praying for God's strength to empower you to actively overcome, while giving all praise and credit to God? Is the word (scripture) sanctifying you? Are you eating the word of God?
Dealing with sin:
1. Slay sexual immorality (Colossians 3:5).
2. Slay idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
3. Strip hate (Colossians 3:8).
4. Strip deception (Colossians 3:9).
Why pursue Holiness?
1. So that your joy may be complete (John 15:10-11; Philippians 1:25-26).
2. So that God may be glorified (John 15:8; Philippians 1:9-11).
The pursuit of Holiness is not about you!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Great Teacher!
God deserves all the credit for blessing our church with so many wonderful teachers and leaders.
I just want to point out another great teacher from Toronto, Kirk Wellum. I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures at the Toronto Baptist Seminary. Needless to say, he is very knowledgeable about scripture, but also exudes a passion for Christ. Fortunately, some of his teachings are on a blog: http://redeemingthetime.blogspot.com/
I would encourage anyone to read and enjoy!
I just want to point out another great teacher from Toronto, Kirk Wellum. I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures at the Toronto Baptist Seminary. Needless to say, he is very knowledgeable about scripture, but also exudes a passion for Christ. Fortunately, some of his teachings are on a blog: http://redeemingthetime.blogspot.com/
I would encourage anyone to read and enjoy!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
What about Jesus?
What things come to mind when you think about church? Is it worship? Is it tradition? Do you think about fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
Or do you think: BOBBLEHEADS!!!
Well, the United Church of Canada certainly has thought about bobbleheads. In fact, they are now investing 10 million dollars into advertising their church. This means that we will be seeing Jesus bobbleheads very soon at a United Church near you!
Why?
Well, apparently it's not a means to attract people to go to church per se, nor are they trying to tell people what the church is about. Instead: "the advertisements encourage [people] to ask questions about issues of faith and discuss them on the internet."
10 million dollars to get people "talking"...
It's funny, but the unbiblical nonsense doesn't stop there. Not available on the internet article, the printed article is titled: "Campaign doesn't aim to convert, Church says".
Now, you can do a lot of things in response to what the United Church of Canada is doing (personally, Pastor Sean and I cracked up!). But the first thing we should ask is: What about Jesus? Jesus is mentioned only one time in the whole article! And only then is he talked about as an "alternative" to Santa Claus.
Instead of writing a series of expletives against the United Church of Canada, I'll say this: "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
Jesus is not some bobblehead or Santa Claus. Jesus is God, a king that is to be worshipped, not placed on a dashboard of a car. We can't compromise the depiction of Jesus, in Revelation 4:1-11, as enthroned and worshipped.
Link to the article:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=0ea01978-4543-4510-acb4-fa59a210f861&rfp=dta
Or do you think: BOBBLEHEADS!!!
Well, the United Church of Canada certainly has thought about bobbleheads. In fact, they are now investing 10 million dollars into advertising their church. This means that we will be seeing Jesus bobbleheads very soon at a United Church near you!
Why?
Well, apparently it's not a means to attract people to go to church per se, nor are they trying to tell people what the church is about. Instead: "the advertisements encourage [people] to ask questions about issues of faith and discuss them on the internet."
10 million dollars to get people "talking"...
It's funny, but the unbiblical nonsense doesn't stop there. Not available on the internet article, the printed article is titled: "Campaign doesn't aim to convert, Church says".
Now, you can do a lot of things in response to what the United Church of Canada is doing (personally, Pastor Sean and I cracked up!). But the first thing we should ask is: What about Jesus? Jesus is mentioned only one time in the whole article! And only then is he talked about as an "alternative" to Santa Claus.
Instead of writing a series of expletives against the United Church of Canada, I'll say this: "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
Jesus is not some bobblehead or Santa Claus. Jesus is God, a king that is to be worshipped, not placed on a dashboard of a car. We can't compromise the depiction of Jesus, in Revelation 4:1-11, as enthroned and worshipped.
Link to the article:
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=0ea01978-4543-4510-acb4-fa59a210f861&rfp=dta
Monday, November 06, 2006
Propitiation
1. This word occurs in the New Testament 3 times (Romans 3:25;
2. In Greek, “propitiation”, or hilasmos, means: 1) to render one's self, to appease, conciliate to one's self 1a) to become propitious, be placated or appeased 1b) to be propitious, be gracious, be merciful.
3. The dictionaries define the word as: the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity).
So, why is this important? Why is it such an important word? Why should we add it to our vocabulary and use it without fear of being misunderstood?
It’s because it is essential in understanding God’s love for us. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1
So many people ask: how could a loving God put up with the suffering in this world? But we can’t understand God’s loves without first asking: “Do we love God?”
So, do you love God?
If you have trouble answering this question, it’s because you can’t get past the how-can-a-loving-God-put-up-with-suffering question. You’ve set yourself up for failure because you can’t even see past yourself. You can’t understand God’s love because you don’t even know what “love” is in your life.
Instead, we start with the premise: God loves you.
That’s why “propitiation” is such a wondrous and glorious word! Because it starts with “God loves you”. It begins with a Holy and Infinite God that loves you, even though you are utterly depraved, confused, unknowing and finite. Propitiation begins with love, and ends in the love that is completed in Jesus.
Begins with love, ends with love. Because of love, he was sent as propitiation for our sins. Because of love, propitiation rescued us. This is propitiation, this is love.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
A Copy of a Letter Sent to a Friend
You are a sinner. You cannot love God. You deserve the wrath of God. "For the wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23.
Ever wonder about the greatest commandment and how impossible it is to follow it? Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your heart and all your mind. The superlative "all" is really an impossibility. How can we do this all the time with every faculty we have? The answer is: we can't.
That is why Jesus died. Because we can't even do a fraction of what God demands from us. Jesus absorbed the wrath of the Father: "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (an atoning sacrifice) for our sins" 1 John 4:10. Then He did for us what was impossible for us (Luke 18:27), he became that love necessary for us to have a passion for God, and joy in God.
Why am I writing this to you... because this is the gospel. Because I believe you need to hear that, though you deserve death, you have been given life. Who are you... you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Preach this, because if you don`t share the gospel BOLDLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY then you distort the Good News. Don`t let the gospel be a sidebar. Glorify God by making Jesus the center stage.
Ever wonder about the greatest commandment and how impossible it is to follow it? Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your heart and all your mind. The superlative "all" is really an impossibility. How can we do this all the time with every faculty we have? The answer is: we can't.
That is why Jesus died. Because we can't even do a fraction of what God demands from us. Jesus absorbed the wrath of the Father: "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (an atoning sacrifice) for our sins" 1 John 4:10. Then He did for us what was impossible for us (Luke 18:27), he became that love necessary for us to have a passion for God, and joy in God.
Why am I writing this to you... because this is the gospel. Because I believe you need to hear that, though you deserve death, you have been given life. Who are you... you are a crowned in glory creation of God. Preach this, because if you don`t share the gospel BOLDLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY then you distort the Good News. Don`t let the gospel be a sidebar. Glorify God by making Jesus the center stage.
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