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. :)