Seminary

FYI, if you're a regular reader and I haven't told you in person.... I am in seminary now, yay!

Probably, the most exciting thing for me is doing a regular Bible study with my housemates. I am praying that they'll be receptive to Scriptural teaching and hope that it will impact their lives immensely.

Otherwise, classes are good. I get along fine with the other students. It's a lot of work and reading. The paper writing is a little frustrating. Papers are either too short and you have to fit your argument in a small space, or too long and requires too much research. Keeping in mind, I did a business/technical degree in undergrad. I am not used to doing papers. (I'm not really used to doing that much at all.)

God has been gracious with me while here. I just pray I can keep it up.

SDG.

Amazing

It's amazing some of the things you can write over the years.

QOD

Do not enter the ministry if you can help it.

Discerning God's Call

I have had the blessing to have a long theological discussion with some brothers in Mississauga this past Sunday. I was greatly encouraged to know that there are some young men out there that realize there are issues with North American Christianity and Christianity as revealed in the Bible. I have no doubt that young men such as these will entertain the thought of entering full time ministry. What would have greatly helped me is if I read this letter from MLJ to his daughter on the subject of determining God's will:

I need not say that Mama and I were both much moved by your letter of last week and what you had to say in it about your thought and feelings concerning foreign mission work.

As far as we are concerned we are content with God's will for you whatever it may be. That is not easy, of course, but I thank God that we have had sufficient grace to commit you to his will. I have always tried to preach to myself what I have so often said to others that we are but pilgrims and strangers in this world. All we have is but given to us as guardians and custodians by God, not to keep to ourselves but to enjoy as from Him. This applies to our children and our business as parents is to prepare them for life and for God's purpose for them in life, regarding it as one of the greatest and highest privileges that they have been placed in our hands. . .

The one vital, all important thing is to know the will of God. It is not as easy as it sometimes sounds. I was for over two years in a state of uncertainty and indecision before leaving medicine for the pulpit. But in the end it was made absolutely and perfectly clear and mainly by means of things which God did.

These are the rules which I would advise you to observe:

1. Never speak to anyone about it. Don't tell people what you are feeling and discuss it and ask for advice. That always leads to still more uncertainty and confusion. Make an absolute rule of this at all costs. Say nothing until you are absolutely certain, because we are all subject to self suggestion.

2. Do not even think about it and discuss the pros and cons with yourself. Once more this leads to auto suggestion and confusion.

3. In meetings, etc. do not start with the thought in your mind, 'I wonder whether this is going to throw light on my question or help in any way?'

4. In other words, you must not try to anticipate God's leading. Believing as I do that God does 'call' very definitely, and in a distinct and definite doctrine of a call, and a vocation is distinct from 'the need is the call' idea, I believe that God will always make His will and His way plain and clear. With reverence, therefore, I say leave it to God entirely as regards purpose, time and all else.

All you have to do is to tell God that you are content to do His will whatever it may be and, more, that you will rejoice to do His will. Surrender yourself, your life, your future entirely to Him and leave it at that. . . You must not go on asking God to show you His way. Leave it to Him and refuse to consider it until He makes it impossible for you not to do so.

Also remember, and especially in an atmosphere like OICCU and IVF which tends to be activist and to place such emphasis on works, that 'to be' comes before 'to do'. That is where we all fail. Our business is to make ourselves such instruments as shall be fit and meet for the Master's use. He always tells such people how and where and when He wants to use them. You prepare yourself and He will then show you what he wants you to do.

I urge you not only for your own sake but even for the work's sake to implement these principles.

- Martyn Lloyd Jones - May 17, 1948

How narrow is narrow?

The past few days I had the pleasure of hanging with some Christian friends. Some friends from Paris, some from my old church, and some from a conference I went to a long time ago. One of them was a woman pastor. Earlier this month, I finished my Hebrew courses at Tyndale. I am very relieved that the course is over. I think I was getting to the point where I would have argue with many of the students there. I found their lack of Scriptural understanding appalling. No, being a youth pastor does not excuse you from knowing the Word. And finally, I had the opportunity to evangelize to some University friends a week ago. I felt kind of fundie.

All of this has been causing me to ponder how narrow is the road that we Christians walk (Matt 7:13,14)? Because, for many of my Christian friends... they would gladly affirm that Jesus Christ is the only way (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). However, if I pushed them... how clearly would they exclaim that their unconverted family member would burn in hell for all eternity to the glory of God (Rev 14:9-11, Rom 9:22,23)? Doesn't the second chance or universal salvation extolled by Rob Bell sound tempting in that light? (Tempting, but not Biblical.)

But, back to the topic at hand. My pastor had a saying in terms of belief: head, heart, and hands. There had to be an intellectual understanding of who they were believing in, a heart-felt appreciation and love for God, and hands that served Him. For the non-Christian, it is clear they do not believe in God. They are unregenerate lovers of self that worship the gods they have made with their own hands. It becomes more difficult when dealing with those who claim Christ, but who Christ may not know (Matt 7:22,23). They have no love for learning more about God, and no desire to serve him. They love their notion of God... but when it comes to wrath (Rom 1:18,19), judgment (2 Cor 5:10), and suffering (2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:1-2)... they are quiet or hostile to these ideas that are clearly demonstrated in Scripture.

For the non-Christian, it is clear that we must evangelize to them as often as we can. If we have a true appreciation for God's wrath, and the infinite suffering that a non-believer will face in hell... we would witness with unwavering clarity. For who would let anyone drink poison or walk into oncoming traffic? If we had a clear understanding of God's wide and deep love for the believer, would we not direct our friends and family to drink water that satisfies and to stop gorging themselves on things that leave them empty? (Regardless of how awkward it makes us feel...)

It is with greater difficulty I approach those that assume they are Christian. And it is not my desire to be judgmental or critical, but from where I stand... their lives do not reflect Christ. I think to see Christ in the Christian... it should be easy. I'm not saying that every Christian will be perfect. No far, from it... I think a mark of maturity in a believer's life is the realization of how sinful they actually are. What I am saying is for those that claim to be Christ-following, there should be some pattern that resembles the life that Christ lived. Things like an appreciation for God's written word (Lk 2:46,47), obedience to the word (Jn 14:15, 15:14), pursuit of holiness (1 Pet 1:16), love for the brethren (1 Jn 3:16, Jn 13:35), and more.

And I think one of the most noble yet slightly off-target, is the caring of the physical needs of people and the neglecting of spiritual needs. The physical needs of brethren (Jas 2:14-16) and unbelievers (Jas 1:17) is important. However, Christ commissioned us to make disciples (Matt 28:28-30). We send "missionaries" to foreign countries to build wells, yet offer no living water. And we have the audacity to call this evangelism. Why are we so slow to speak the name of Christ, knowing His name is the only name that saves?

Another concern is the consistency and inconsistency as Christians. Since I am somewhat of a thinker, this is the area I find that Christians struggle with the most: inconsistencies in theology and the application of their theology. What do people do with passages regarding women pastors (1 Tim 2:12-14) or Christians dating non-Christians (2 Cor 6:14) or predestination (Eph 1:3-5)? Many are surprised when I discuss such matters with them. (Which really causes me to wonder - what are pastors preaching from the pulpit? -- especially for those people who find pastors who only preach application.) Most react negatively, refusing to address the text before them. Praise God, that there are some that do appreciate the correction and make changes accordingly.

So what to do when we encounter such "Christians"? First, it is important to remember that we are sinful, fallen creatures. We need to approach these people with the humility and love of Christ. A frequent concern I have with myself and those that adhere to reformed theology is the perceived arrogance we possess when talking things of theology. Now, this shouldn't stop us from admonishing our brethren with Christian truths. (For some have taken this perceived arrogance and gone overboard, refusing to call heresy when it is due to avoid looking like a meanie.) Second, assuming that these are brethren from other churches, we have to realize that God is sovereign and the one who will ultimately cause changes in their heart. We don't need to beat ourselves up if they don't want to dig into the Scriptures and correct their ways. Third, do not lose heart in correcting one another. Since Brian didn't take to your correction says nothing about how Tony will react.

This post has gone on long enough. I know this has not been exhaustive. But, I am exhausted. :)

Lacking Direction

No future or unbridled opportunity?

Greater Satisfaction

"It has pleased God, since I wrote my last [letter] to you, sorely to afflict this family by taking away by death... my second daughter in the eighteenth year of her age, a very pleasant and useful member of this family... Herein we have a great loss; but the remembrance of the remarkable appearances of piety in her, from her childhood, in life, and also at her death, are very comfortable to us, and give us great reason to mingle thanksgiving with our mourning. I desire your prayers, dear Sir, that God would make up our great loss to us in himself."
- Jonathan Edwards writing to fellow minister John Erskine.

As a matter of background information...
Jerusha Edwards, the second daughter of Jonathan Edwards, was named after Jonathan's recently passed younger sister. She had sincere habits of piety and Edwards described her as "the flower of the family." Jerusha Edwards was probably converted when visited upon by George Whitfield. She and her siblings had the opportunity not only to enjoy the evangelist's company, but sit under several of his sermons. David Brainerd, the famous missionary to the Indians in Massachusetts, received her care throughout the months leading to his death. Jerusha took care of him (without complaint), since the beginning of his illness in May 1747 to his death in October of the same year. Brainerd described her as a model of Christian piety.

I was greatly moved by this letter by Jonathan Edwards. For during this season of my life, it has pleased the Lord to try me with various trials. And I cannot help, but feel shame for my lack of faith and trust in the Lord. Imagine, losing your daughter suddenly. A child that took to your teaching and was raised up in the ways of the Lord. A daughter whom you love, who was a blessing through her chastity while the youth of the day engage in carnal pleasures. And what would our response be?

I can think of very few things worse than a parent having to bury his child. Yet, Edward's response is a model of a Christian's priority. A daughter who was the "flower of the family" and greatly loved by Edwards. But, he prayed that God would fill the loss of his beloved daughter with a greater satisfaction in God. May we learn from his example.

Disconnect

Just thought I'd share a random happening.

This past Saturday, I was working on my sermon when I received an anonymous phone call. (I am not a pastor, I was filling in for my pastor.) The woman was looking for someone named Chris. Here is our dialogue as best as I can remember.

W: Hi! Is Chris there?
R: No. I think you have the wrong number.
W: What's your name?
R: Not Chris.
W: Oh...... so what are you up to?
R: ..... *confused*
W: Hello?
R: Can I help you with something?
W: Just wondering what you are doing?
R: I thought you were looking for Chris?
W: I'm looking for you!
R: Okay..... I'm preparing for a sermon. (I really just wanted her to hang up so I can get on with sermon prep.)
W: Oh, so you're a pastor?
R: No. I'm just filling in for someone. Who am I speaking with?
W: ....?
R: What's your name?
W: Hannibal Lector.
R: Righttt....
W: What's your sermon about?
R: Well, it's on a parable. Luke 7:36-50. About a teacher of the law, and a sinful woman and how they both respond to Jesus. Do you know who Jesus is?
W: Yes. What kind of Christian are you?
R: My denomination? Non-denominational.
W: Why are there different denominations?
R: The different groups have different opinions on what the Bible says.
W: Is that why some Christians are such crummy people?
R: Well, no. They probably aren't Christian. All Christians should follow what the Bible says. It's God's words. So we don't get to choose, but we obey what it says.
W: Uh huh.
R: For instance, we know things like stealing and murder are wrong, because what the Bible says. It's just some people don't want to listen and don't want to obey. We know that premarital sex is wrong, so Christian's shouldn't engage in it.
W: But, how can something that is so pleasurable be wrong?
R: Let's think of it this way. You've seen the movie "Silence of the Lambs" right? Hannibal Lector looked like he was really enjoying killing all those people. Does that make it right? I mean if you think that it's okay to murder, because of that... I don't know if I want to be on the phone with someone like that. (said jokingly)

At that point, she hung up on me. I'll try to remember to joke less on evangelism interactions with very little leeway for mistakes.

In any case, I was mulling over this and the message of my sermon. It is kind of funny how God always pronounces a great truth in your life and then demonstrates how it should be applied or how you fall short.

So for the passage of Luke 7:36-50, the parable's idea is this... Our loving response to Christ will be proportional to our view on having been forgiven. If we think that sin is a small thing, and we have been forgiven a small thing... our love for Christ will be small. If we think that we have been forgiven a huge thing, our love for Christ will be huge.

At the beginning of this phone call, I really just wanted it to end. I was busy. I needed to get things done. I am blessed that God woke me up to the fact that this was another person who needed to hear about Jesus. And I'm hopeful that our short spiritual conversation would prompt her to the reception of the gospel.

Train to Win.

I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Cor 9:23-27

Zzzz...

Will write something when I can get my mind in order.

Post CCF Retreat 2011

It is typical for me to come back from retreat with a renewed sense of passion for the Lord and new-found explosive energy. Not so much this time, probably more tiredness than anything else. I had about 7 hours of sleep for the three nights (total). I'm still feeling sleepy. Perhaps, I'm assuming a modest pace in my spiritual life instead of the emotional sprints and crawls.

Some of the highlights include:

Hanging out with my Small Group

Very encouraging getting to know some of the people there. Most of them were very new to the faith, had much to learn. The leaders there are a lot stronger from the previous year. It was also nice to clear the rust off my sword when answering some of their common questions. We talked about everything from the gospel and election to the Bible and Biblical dating.

New Christian

A friend who attended BridgeWay this past Sunday has been inspiring. I've talked to him once or twice about the gospel and he has very willingly taken up the call. He even shared with his friends this past week (think John 4 - Samaritan Women) despite not having the answers to some of their questions (God and Suffering, etc.). We debriefed after and I can tell you it is always a joy to speak with someone new to the faith.

Sleep or Lack There of.

I think the fastest way to learn more about someone is to spend a large block of time with them rather than short bursts. So I tried to stay awake with people and chat with them despite the danger a sleep-deprived driver could be. (I really live on the (bleeding) edge). Also, some of the girls can really play jitz.

Concluding Thoughts

The retreat was a definite blessing to my soul. Any apprehension I had previously of being the old guy hanging with the young'ins evaporated within the first hour I was there. My Dad has noticed my appreciation for young'ins, but I hardly consider this a possible avenue for future ministry. Maybe if I was married I would feel less concern with a continual exposure to the youth.

Heartbreak is...

Asking a (Christian) friend if they love the Lord and getting no response.

Challenge Accepted.

One of the enormous challenges I have been facing lately has been my approach and response to members of my previous church. Now, I don't think I have ever fully detailed out what happened at my old church. So without going into specifics, here is the short version of it.

Senior Pastor is found to be in sin.
English Pastor enlists a friend and I to figure out the depth of this.
Friend and I bring forth sin issue to elder board. (1 Tim 5:19)
Senior Pastor and elder board go back and forth.
English Pastor is fired.
I am removed from leadership. (I was at the time teaching in Adult SS and leading the University fellowship.)
There are further skirmishes, but for the most part... people leave the church or people remain in the church and continue to fight.

So since these issues were brought to light last year, the church has been in turmoil. For me, I don't really care anymore. (Not to say that I don't care about the people, rather the issue is dead to me.) As I look back... although it was a very difficult time, it also bore much fruit in my Christian walk. So I count myself particularly blessed to go through such a trial. (Jas 1:14; Heb 12:10)

What I find challenging is meeting with friends that know the sin issue is still present and has not been corrected, yet remain at the church! I have explained that the issue is wrong and sinful, but they are adamant on staying there despite not having a Biblical leg to stand on.

So pray for me in this regard. On one hand, I know I have to tell them and appeal to them that they should not be there. On the other hand, I feel like a nagging mother.

The Christian Life

Sinclair Ferguson in "The Christian Life" brought up an analogy that I have been musing on. The Christian life is like a three legged stool. There is the leg of doctrine, the leg of practice (obedience), and the leg of experience. People of the Reformed/Calvinistic persuasion tend to have a longer leg for doctrine. Whereas, the Charismatics have a long leg for experience. Those that have a bent towards social justice tend to have a longer leg for practice.

I probably lean towards doctrine, followed by obedience, and finally, experience. The stool analogy (it isn't Sinclair's) argues for a balance between the three. I get it. I question the premise and whether there is Biblical grounds to argue for a balance between the three. However, that can be the topic of a different post.

In any case, I haven't been so good with the lengthening of obedience and experience. More time in the prayer closet required.

On Girls

Increasing parental pressure coupled with my close friends contemplating marriage (or are married already) has caused me to think a lot more about dating and marriage. I remember reading a friend's blog where she remarked that it was like all her friends were at a dance, and as the night wound down, everyone was frantic to find a partner. She was single at the time, now dating.

I have wondered if I felt the same sentiment. Not exactly. I would mourn the loss of friendships as people's lives get busy. That and people tend to hang around with people at the same life stage.

On a side note, another one of my friend bears the most flak regarding being single. He's younger than me. So I wonder if people have given up on me. :P

Friends have often pointed out so and so as a potential to date. It's kind of funny to see who your friends think of for you. It demonstrates what they think of you. The worst is when they try to browbeat you into liking a girl when you are not attracted to her.

Helpful Friend: "What about Sally?* She's pretty."
R: "Nah, I'm not interested in her."
Helpful Friend: "Why not?"
R: "err... no reason."**
Helpful Friend: "What, are you gay?"
R: "Yes, that's definitely it."

*Names changed to protect the innocent!
**Options include
A) Saying something negative about her - which will undoubtedly get back to her.
B) Saying something negative about yourself - which will encourage helpful friend to "encourage" you and say that you should "go for it!"
C) "No reason" - which will result in more pestering until you do an "A" or "B".

So in the interest of avoid future sidestepping of conversations, here are some things I'm looking for in a girl:

Christian (and theologically compatible which will undoubtedly be the harder part)
Fun-loving
Attractive (beauty is in the eye of the beholder)
Younger (you'll see why in a second)
Able to be led/taught
Able to keep home
Libertarian/Conservative leaning
Home schooling
Total denial and rejection of feminist indoctrination

Each line could merit a post on its own. But, you can probably see that many of the qualities would be difficult to find in a girl much less all of them. For the girl to be younger is important, because time will help in explaining why I have adopted certain viewpoints.

As for whether I'll get married or remain single, I would probably lean towards the former. Not excitedly so, as marriage brings both benefits (and they are awesome benefits) and difficulties. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7, that his opinion is that it is better to be single... more time to do work for the Kingdom. Jesus Christ was a single man. (side note: it's hilarious when people claim that you're not fully a man unless your married... then you can point out that Jesus was not married...)

edit: I just realized I have no "Girls" tag. Hence, I probably haven't written on this topic much at all!

Meetings

Friday meetings.

There are many ways to get through meetings (besides actually paying attention and taking notes). You can play buzzword bingo, sleep, web-browse, think of what you are going to do on the weekend.

What do I do?

There is a worker with a name that sounds like "Interpol". So our business meetings become high-risk adventures of corporate espionage and international politics....

"Did you get the information to Interpol?"
"Interpol is requesting the latest numbers on the last migration."
"Interpol has been compromised! Contact all field agents and rendezvous at auxiliary depot A7B29."

All in a day's work.

Spin

I was thinking about Bonnie's spin on the Good Samaritan. After reading it, I had a Lou Ferrigno moment... ("CHRISTIAN RAGE!") With indignation, I exclaimed to myself (and anyone within a stone's throw) the attitude of Christ that is lost on so many Christians today.

At this point, you have probably realized where this is going.

On Monday nights, I have ice hockey. On the drive to the rink, I happened upon traffic. Silently cursing the individuals who don't know how to drive, I finally came to the cause of the slowdown. Two cars had crashed in the intersection and it left just enough room for cars to drive around them.

As I approached the crash and maneuvered my ride around the accident, I had a painful realization that I was the Levite, side-stepping the incident, set on my destination. I wish I could say I turned back. As the accident faded in my rear view mirror, so did my desire to stop and help.

I prayed for forgiveness. For a man who prays for more opportunities to serve the Lord, I am very slow to pick up on those moments. God is faithful to His children.

He furnished another opportunity to stop (after practice) and I did. The lady was grateful, but her husband and a tow truck would be there soon. There were some things I could have done better at that stop, but I know that now and next time will be better.

By the grace of God, I am what I am and will become what He wills.

QOD

John Piper—

[I do not] want to leave the impression that reading many books is important. Reading great books and reading them well is what is important. Meditative reading, reading which stops and ponders, reading which sees deep into reality—that is the kind of reading which profits. That kind of reading should never end for you. Growth and stimulation and transformation will never end for you. You will be in the company of the greatest minds and hearts for the rest of your life, and you will become their peers if you read for understanding and for life.

Anxious

Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent."
John 6:26-27

Was meditating on John 6 and 7 over lunch today. As well, have kept this verse in my mind:

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Pet 5:6-7

I read a lot. I have been trying to get a more solid grasp of economics, history, and politics. My university education has been woefully deficient in these areas. My friends aren't really into these sorts of thing. So I have been feeling a little isolated, in terms of what is going on currently and how to prepare for the future. But, that is another topic for another day.

So with all these burdens and problems on my heart, I took the only reasonable course of action.... I drowned myself in video games. I think I am over that stage now. (Although, I don't think I'll be cutting video games out of my life anytime soon.)

Perhaps, I am an overly anxious person. I am not superman. I cannot solve budgetary issues in the United States that will inevitably affect the quality of life here. I cannot overturn legislation that outlaws Christianity. I cannot single-handedly undo years of brainwashing and social reform that undermines the family unit. There are many things I cannot do.

However, there is one thing I can do... I can believe and trust in Jesus.