Here is a great article about the relationship between love and attraction. There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings pervading our culture on these subjects that inevitably lead to train wrecks in relationships.
This article does a great job of describing what people do with and what they feel about, "attraction." It then goes on to show how attraction can destroy love. Finally, Mr. Welch focuses on the true remedy - which brings both together in a gospel-centered context. Enjoy.
About Love or Why I Hate Attraction by Ed Welch
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Will Tax Payer Funds Pay for Abortions Under Obamacare?
This is a video that explains how tax payer dollars could eventually end up paying for abortions in America. The thought of this becoming a reality is devastating and extremely worrisome - that law will siphon money from our pockets to fund murder.
May I suggest that a downward economy pails in comparison to this. May I also suggest that financial recession is an indicator of our present moral corruption? As a secular historian told me one time over a cup of coffee, "When you see a country accept and even legalize immorality, you see a country that is not standing, but falling. This has been the case in history."
This is why the gospel must ravage our lives. And this is why it must mobilize us to ravage the lives of others. I think "ravage" is a good word. That which can be shaken must be shaken so that that which cannot be shaken will stand (Heb 12:28).
Thanks Zach for posting this video.
May I suggest that a downward economy pails in comparison to this. May I also suggest that financial recession is an indicator of our present moral corruption? As a secular historian told me one time over a cup of coffee, "When you see a country accept and even legalize immorality, you see a country that is not standing, but falling. This has been the case in history."
This is why the gospel must ravage our lives. And this is why it must mobilize us to ravage the lives of others. I think "ravage" is a good word. That which can be shaken must be shaken so that that which cannot be shaken will stand (Heb 12:28).
Thanks Zach for posting this video.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Should We Repent to Our Children?
I have three children now. Emma is five years old; Jude is two; and Camille is three months old. Needless to say, the house gets a little crazy at times. Coming home to a quiet and peaceful "refuge" is something that just doesn't happen. Rather, I come home to the greatest screams ever, "DADDY!!!!!" They run and grab my legs, making it difficult to get to Katie for a little "shugga." (Note: If she reads this she will call me a dork...and I'm okay with that - because of the gospel, of course :)
After things settle down, reality sets in. Kids start doing what kids do. Jude likes to ignore Emma while she screams, "Get off of me, Jude!!!" Emma then begins to kick him in the side. Jude then proceeds to produce this horrible screeching noise, while he retaliates with punches. Camille sits in her little bouncy seat sucking away on the passy, waiving her hands back and forth (I call this "rapping."). So, as the dad, I walk over to the UFC match that is going down on my couch and say, "What's going on here?"
I might as well have said, "Let's play the blame game!!!!" I quickly put a stop to the tattling and send both to their rooms for a little "tap-tap" (Prov 23:13-14). After the "tap-tap" I try to guide them in repentance and reconciliation. Then we guide them in prayer and repentance to God.
This goes on many times a day. My kids repent to me and Katie very often for disobedience, disrespect and other sins. But I have realized something. I hardly ever repent to them. I hardly ever come down to their level and say, "Kids, Daddy is sorry for not being a real good Daddy." After thinking this through a little, here are some reasons why I think it is essential that we, as parents, repent to our children often.
First, repentance makes us human and not God. Our children have amazing capacities to put up with our junk. After we have pitched our fits right in front of them, they come right up to us and treat us like royalty. Amazing. If we do not repent to our children for our sins, they will think that our sinful behavior is okay. Most children don't have their devotions every morning in the Ten Commandments. Whatever instruction they receive, they receive from us, the parents.
But as the old expression goes, "more is caught than taught." This is why we have to repent of those nasty things they "catch" from us. If we do not appeal to a higher Authority, we will remain the authority. We will be a god to them. A sinful god is devastating to a small child. Therefore, we must repent. This directs their attention toward our Righteous Lord. It makes us subordinate to Him...it makes us human.
Second, when we repent to our children, we let them know we, too, need a Savior. We need the light of the Gospel just as much as they do. But when we remain silent about our own sin and fallenness, we become Pharisaical. We teach them that there is an age, or a time in life, when repentance is not necessary. We, parents, have reached that point, and they, the children, must reach it too!
On the other hand, when we repent to our children, and in front of them (typically I do this during our family worship/prayer times), we are showing them what the Christian life is about. Being saved is not about being sinless. Walking in light is not about perfection, but about confession. The kindness of God leads us to repentance. When we repent, we show our children the freedom that we have received from our kind Savior. When a person's lips are shut to repentance, it shows their heart is shut to the gospel.
Third, if we communicate to our children about our own sins, hopefully they will communicate to us about their own as they grow older. I think every parent that I have spent time with desires a great relationship with their children when they grow up. Katie says it all the time - how she wants Emma to be able to talk to her about her (Emma's) struggles and failures. Humble parents make approachable parents.
Last, as we humble ourselves before God, others, and our children, we show that our trust is not in ourselves, but a Wonderful Savior. If we never show them repentance, we communicate all we need is rules - all we need is law. We can do this thing called life - a Savior is not needed. However, if we repent often, we show that we need to hear the good news about Him daily. When our kids have grown up seeing our need of Him (through repentance) and our receiving of Him (through faith), when they sin they will be inclined to come to us for the Gospel!
After things settle down, reality sets in. Kids start doing what kids do. Jude likes to ignore Emma while she screams, "Get off of me, Jude!!!" Emma then begins to kick him in the side. Jude then proceeds to produce this horrible screeching noise, while he retaliates with punches. Camille sits in her little bouncy seat sucking away on the passy, waiving her hands back and forth (I call this "rapping."). So, as the dad, I walk over to the UFC match that is going down on my couch and say, "What's going on here?"
I might as well have said, "Let's play the blame game!!!!" I quickly put a stop to the tattling and send both to their rooms for a little "tap-tap" (Prov 23:13-14). After the "tap-tap" I try to guide them in repentance and reconciliation. Then we guide them in prayer and repentance to God.
This goes on many times a day. My kids repent to me and Katie very often for disobedience, disrespect and other sins. But I have realized something. I hardly ever repent to them. I hardly ever come down to their level and say, "Kids, Daddy is sorry for not being a real good Daddy." After thinking this through a little, here are some reasons why I think it is essential that we, as parents, repent to our children often.
First, repentance makes us human and not God. Our children have amazing capacities to put up with our junk. After we have pitched our fits right in front of them, they come right up to us and treat us like royalty. Amazing. If we do not repent to our children for our sins, they will think that our sinful behavior is okay. Most children don't have their devotions every morning in the Ten Commandments. Whatever instruction they receive, they receive from us, the parents.
But as the old expression goes, "more is caught than taught." This is why we have to repent of those nasty things they "catch" from us. If we do not appeal to a higher Authority, we will remain the authority. We will be a god to them. A sinful god is devastating to a small child. Therefore, we must repent. This directs their attention toward our Righteous Lord. It makes us subordinate to Him...it makes us human.
Second, when we repent to our children, we let them know we, too, need a Savior. We need the light of the Gospel just as much as they do. But when we remain silent about our own sin and fallenness, we become Pharisaical. We teach them that there is an age, or a time in life, when repentance is not necessary. We, parents, have reached that point, and they, the children, must reach it too!
On the other hand, when we repent to our children, and in front of them (typically I do this during our family worship/prayer times), we are showing them what the Christian life is about. Being saved is not about being sinless. Walking in light is not about perfection, but about confession. The kindness of God leads us to repentance. When we repent, we show our children the freedom that we have received from our kind Savior. When a person's lips are shut to repentance, it shows their heart is shut to the gospel.
Third, if we communicate to our children about our own sins, hopefully they will communicate to us about their own as they grow older. I think every parent that I have spent time with desires a great relationship with their children when they grow up. Katie says it all the time - how she wants Emma to be able to talk to her about her (Emma's) struggles and failures. Humble parents make approachable parents.
Last, as we humble ourselves before God, others, and our children, we show that our trust is not in ourselves, but a Wonderful Savior. If we never show them repentance, we communicate all we need is rules - all we need is law. We can do this thing called life - a Savior is not needed. However, if we repent often, we show that we need to hear the good news about Him daily. When our kids have grown up seeing our need of Him (through repentance) and our receiving of Him (through faith), when they sin they will be inclined to come to us for the Gospel!
Monday, October 25, 2010
One of My Idols Identified and My Attempt to Murder It.
So there is this thing called Google Analytics. This blog feature tracks traffic to a person's blog and reports it on a daily basis. It also tells you how many people are currently subscribed. I can see how this tool would be useful to a company or a blog that was drawing revenue. If no one is coming to the site, modifications and changes need to take place. However, my heart has taken these tools and used them to feed one of the major idols in my life.
Today, my conscience is burdened by my desire to see just how popular I am. I frequent the 'page view counter' to see just how many people have looked at this site. This, in itself, is not bad. But for me, it is. I have found that a page view is just like a complement - and I do not do well with complements. Give me a few and I am drunk for days with pride and arrogance. I hate this about life. I must do something.
Through much prayer and consideration, I do not feel that canceling the blog is the right thing to do. As an elder in the church and a pastor, my passion and duty is to teach, preach, encourage, edify, and communicate the gospel of God's grace. I believe this site is a great avenue for doing such. The problem is not the site, but my heart. I praise God for showing me this now. And I pray that He will aid me in ridding me of this illness.
So here is my strategy.
As of today, I am canceling Google Analytics. I believe this is a practical strategy that will guard me from temptation. But this strategy, I understand, must be supported, founded and rooted in the Gospel of grace...it must be Christocentric through and through. Therefore, I am praying (and asking you to pray for me!) and meditating on my identity in Christ.
I am eternally and ultimately accepted before the Father, not because of anything I have done (including this site), but because of Christ alone. I believe this extinguishes my longing to be approved and accepted by man. I also believe that this will enable me to accept both complements and criticisms in a godly way. Complements will not take me higher than God, and criticisms will not condemn me to hell. Rather, both of them will edify, encourage, and rebuke - all to the glory of God.
I would also like to repent to you, the reader. I am sorry for using you. I am sorry for not being entirely honest. I am asking for your forgiveness and prayers.
I am thankful for the opportunity to write and communicate the gospel. It is something I really enjoy doing. I need help however, so that I will not take a good thing and make it an Ultimate thing. I pray that ministry never exceeds Christ in my heart. I am thankful for the grace that has preserved me this far, and am thankful for the promise of God to finish what He has begun in me. Grace and peace to you all.
Scott
Today, my conscience is burdened by my desire to see just how popular I am. I frequent the 'page view counter' to see just how many people have looked at this site. This, in itself, is not bad. But for me, it is. I have found that a page view is just like a complement - and I do not do well with complements. Give me a few and I am drunk for days with pride and arrogance. I hate this about life. I must do something.
Through much prayer and consideration, I do not feel that canceling the blog is the right thing to do. As an elder in the church and a pastor, my passion and duty is to teach, preach, encourage, edify, and communicate the gospel of God's grace. I believe this site is a great avenue for doing such. The problem is not the site, but my heart. I praise God for showing me this now. And I pray that He will aid me in ridding me of this illness.
So here is my strategy.
As of today, I am canceling Google Analytics. I believe this is a practical strategy that will guard me from temptation. But this strategy, I understand, must be supported, founded and rooted in the Gospel of grace...it must be Christocentric through and through. Therefore, I am praying (and asking you to pray for me!) and meditating on my identity in Christ.
I am eternally and ultimately accepted before the Father, not because of anything I have done (including this site), but because of Christ alone. I believe this extinguishes my longing to be approved and accepted by man. I also believe that this will enable me to accept both complements and criticisms in a godly way. Complements will not take me higher than God, and criticisms will not condemn me to hell. Rather, both of them will edify, encourage, and rebuke - all to the glory of God.
I would also like to repent to you, the reader. I am sorry for using you. I am sorry for not being entirely honest. I am asking for your forgiveness and prayers.
I am thankful for the opportunity to write and communicate the gospel. It is something I really enjoy doing. I need help however, so that I will not take a good thing and make it an Ultimate thing. I pray that ministry never exceeds Christ in my heart. I am thankful for the grace that has preserved me this far, and am thankful for the promise of God to finish what He has begun in me. Grace and peace to you all.
Scott
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Why Music is Popular and Preaching is Not.
Every now and again I turn my radio to the station that is playing the "new, popular stuff." My motivations for doing this have changed over the years. I used to be tired of Christian music, so I would go there to hear something with a cool beat or whatever. Now, I go for different reasons. These songs are on the radio for a reason. People like them. I want to know why.
After listening to a few songs, the answer is clear to me. The artists are connecting with a message that attractively falls, not only on the ears, but also on the hearts of our present day culture. Many of the artists are just being real, telling what they feel, experience and desire. They are communicating the reality of the present human experience. But here is the tragic note. Though they are giving a true account of what life is like, it is a far cry from what is right. Just because they can accurately describe what a life of broken relationships, drug addiction, life struggle and pain looks like, they provide no true way out.
Allow me to use an example in an attempt to make the point clearer. Let's just say that the human condition is cancerous. Most can feel the effects of the cancer. Some even know they have it. But let me ask you this: Who do cancer patients want to listen to? They want to listen to those who have cancer as well. They want to have someone sit with them and tell them about their life and struggles with the disease. Hearing what is real in the life of another often triumphs over what is right. Here is where many sermons disconnect.
Many sermons, and many Christian messages for that matter, only speak of what should be, often to the exclusion of what is. The Christian culture today is really good at standing next to the cancer patient while giving a proper diagnosis. We may even be able to tell the cancer patient what to do with their condition. But as we all know, once the doctor diagnoses problem and prescribes medication, we want them out. They may know how to see cancer, but they don't know what its like to feel cancer.
So here we have the Christian on one end of the spectrum and the artist on the other end. The Christian listens to Nelly's song "Just a Dream" and can quickly say, "Man, if he would only do this or that...or, If he would just realize that relationships go down hill if they don't have Christ in the center then...yada yada yada." But Nelly looks at the Christian and says, "Man, do you have any idea what I have been through! Yeah, you talk about this perfect life, but this is MY life...this is what is happening to me NOW. What do you know about struggle anyway - it looks like you've got it all figured out!"
So what are we to do? We have to get real and stop being afraid of looking like we actually know what its like to sin. We have got to get messy. We must communicate and live the gospel. We must enter the hospital room as a doctor who is battling cancer.
Our message must be real...like a song. The sad fact is, most of us are so unsure of our standing in Christ, that we are afraid to communicate that we, too, are all jacked up in fear that some may reject us. We therefore remain the doctor who has the answers, and not someone who needs the answers ourselves.
We must be willing and able to empathize with the person who is struggling through life. Willingness comes from a true love for them. Empathy comes from a true knowledge of our own sin, a true humility in confessing our sinful condition, and a true love of what Christ has done to remedy that condition.
As Christians, our life and message is more than a song. We can weep with those who weep; but with hope. Not only must we be real, we must place our faith, love and hope in He who is the Ultimate Reality and Righteous One. Christ is more than merely human (being able to empathize with us); but He is God (being able to save us).
As Christians our life and message is more than a doctor's diagnosis and prescription; once doing his job he is off to the next patient. Though he provides help for ones physical health, he is unable to provide true healing. Christ not only commands us in the way we should go, but He is with us! While being the Great Physician, He understands and is there, during our painful circumstances.
So, I challenge you Christian. How do you communicate the gospel. Does it connect with others...like a popular song? Does it give the remedy and hope that we are all so desperately looking for...like a good Physician? Let us proclaim the excellencies of our Great Savior! Not only because we believe He can heal others, but because we know that He has healed us!
After listening to a few songs, the answer is clear to me. The artists are connecting with a message that attractively falls, not only on the ears, but also on the hearts of our present day culture. Many of the artists are just being real, telling what they feel, experience and desire. They are communicating the reality of the present human experience. But here is the tragic note. Though they are giving a true account of what life is like, it is a far cry from what is right. Just because they can accurately describe what a life of broken relationships, drug addiction, life struggle and pain looks like, they provide no true way out.
Allow me to use an example in an attempt to make the point clearer. Let's just say that the human condition is cancerous. Most can feel the effects of the cancer. Some even know they have it. But let me ask you this: Who do cancer patients want to listen to? They want to listen to those who have cancer as well. They want to have someone sit with them and tell them about their life and struggles with the disease. Hearing what is real in the life of another often triumphs over what is right. Here is where many sermons disconnect.
Many sermons, and many Christian messages for that matter, only speak of what should be, often to the exclusion of what is. The Christian culture today is really good at standing next to the cancer patient while giving a proper diagnosis. We may even be able to tell the cancer patient what to do with their condition. But as we all know, once the doctor diagnoses problem and prescribes medication, we want them out. They may know how to see cancer, but they don't know what its like to feel cancer.
So here we have the Christian on one end of the spectrum and the artist on the other end. The Christian listens to Nelly's song "Just a Dream" and can quickly say, "Man, if he would only do this or that...or, If he would just realize that relationships go down hill if they don't have Christ in the center then...yada yada yada." But Nelly looks at the Christian and says, "Man, do you have any idea what I have been through! Yeah, you talk about this perfect life, but this is MY life...this is what is happening to me NOW. What do you know about struggle anyway - it looks like you've got it all figured out!"
So what are we to do? We have to get real and stop being afraid of looking like we actually know what its like to sin. We have got to get messy. We must communicate and live the gospel. We must enter the hospital room as a doctor who is battling cancer.
Our message must be real...like a song. The sad fact is, most of us are so unsure of our standing in Christ, that we are afraid to communicate that we, too, are all jacked up in fear that some may reject us. We therefore remain the doctor who has the answers, and not someone who needs the answers ourselves.
We must be willing and able to empathize with the person who is struggling through life. Willingness comes from a true love for them. Empathy comes from a true knowledge of our own sin, a true humility in confessing our sinful condition, and a true love of what Christ has done to remedy that condition.
As Christians, our life and message is more than a song. We can weep with those who weep; but with hope. Not only must we be real, we must place our faith, love and hope in He who is the Ultimate Reality and Righteous One. Christ is more than merely human (being able to empathize with us); but He is God (being able to save us).
As Christians our life and message is more than a doctor's diagnosis and prescription; once doing his job he is off to the next patient. Though he provides help for ones physical health, he is unable to provide true healing. Christ not only commands us in the way we should go, but He is with us! While being the Great Physician, He understands and is there, during our painful circumstances.
So, I challenge you Christian. How do you communicate the gospel. Does it connect with others...like a popular song? Does it give the remedy and hope that we are all so desperately looking for...like a good Physician? Let us proclaim the excellencies of our Great Savior! Not only because we believe He can heal others, but because we know that He has healed us!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Gospel is Free...So is This Book!
Over the past year, I have been completely changed by the gospel of God's grace. Sure, I learned a lot in seminary. I also made some wonderful friendships there; ones that will undoubtedly last forever. I am thankful for the grace that was given me to preach through the book of Colossians during my first year and a half at GRACE Community Church. And I am overwhelmed by the mercy of God I see each day when I wake up next to my beautiful wife and three children (I don't actually wake up next to the children though. Jude usually starts yelling at 6:30am, "Daddy! Where are you!" Emma and Camille typically follow close behind him). By 7am we are all in one bed having a blast!
I am learning that it is not so much what I do, or what others do; but why we do what we do. What we do surely matters, but to have our lives directed in a godly direction, we must ask "Why?". The gospel grows well in this soil, and produces much fruit there.
Tim Keller calls this the sin beneath the sin. If my little girl lies to me, I must address more than the act of lying. I have to ask why she lied. What was the sin beneath her sin? Was it self-preservation? Was it that she didn't trust the Truth? What was it that she wanted so badly that she was willing to break God's commandments to get it? Answer this question and you will find an idol (or a few) hiding in the shadows. Kill the idol and watch the lying die with it. Addressing the lie only may get rid of the sinful act, but it won't ultimately bring the sinful heart to life.
I have also learned that sin is dark, ugly and murderous. Not only does it like to hide, but it does so with a knife in its hand. Simply put, if we go looking for "the sin beneath the sin" we just might get cut. So be it. Cut away. The gospel takes the sting from death. For us, Christian, dying is gain.
Well, enough of the rambling. I have been so encouraged today by a dear friend of mine from seminary. He sent me a card just to encourage me and tell me he was thinking of me. I was floored. What kind of God are we dealing with?!! I praise God for JR. I have learned more from him than he could ever learn from me. So, all that to say...I want to give away a book about the Gospel. What better book than, "What is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert.
All you have to do to win the book is leave a comment. Any comment will do. Thursday morning at 10am, I will draw from the names of those who left comments. And just so you know, if you leave a comment, your odds are pretty good! So, have a wonderful day. Live and love the gospel with everything you have. In Christ, you are free to do so! Isn't it amazing! Peace to you all!
I am learning that it is not so much what I do, or what others do; but why we do what we do. What we do surely matters, but to have our lives directed in a godly direction, we must ask "Why?". The gospel grows well in this soil, and produces much fruit there.
Tim Keller calls this the sin beneath the sin. If my little girl lies to me, I must address more than the act of lying. I have to ask why she lied. What was the sin beneath her sin? Was it self-preservation? Was it that she didn't trust the Truth? What was it that she wanted so badly that she was willing to break God's commandments to get it? Answer this question and you will find an idol (or a few) hiding in the shadows. Kill the idol and watch the lying die with it. Addressing the lie only may get rid of the sinful act, but it won't ultimately bring the sinful heart to life.
I have also learned that sin is dark, ugly and murderous. Not only does it like to hide, but it does so with a knife in its hand. Simply put, if we go looking for "the sin beneath the sin" we just might get cut. So be it. Cut away. The gospel takes the sting from death. For us, Christian, dying is gain.
Well, enough of the rambling. I have been so encouraged today by a dear friend of mine from seminary. He sent me a card just to encourage me and tell me he was thinking of me. I was floored. What kind of God are we dealing with?!! I praise God for JR. I have learned more from him than he could ever learn from me. So, all that to say...I want to give away a book about the Gospel. What better book than, "What is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert.
All you have to do to win the book is leave a comment. Any comment will do. Thursday morning at 10am, I will draw from the names of those who left comments. And just so you know, if you leave a comment, your odds are pretty good! So, have a wonderful day. Live and love the gospel with everything you have. In Christ, you are free to do so! Isn't it amazing! Peace to you all!
Monday, October 18, 2010
The Humanity of Unborn Children
The tendency and popular opinion in our day is to think of an unborn embryo as simply that, an unborn embryo. The terminology, though technically correct, brings more of a medical tone than a personal one. As one who is outside of the medical community however, I use words like "unborn child" when describing the image below.
These words bring a sense of responsibility and reality to the unborn situation. When we see images like this and use the word "children" to describe them, we understand more how there is no essential difference between the unborn and the born. They are children. They have names.
Follow this link to read an article about this little child. The mother had cancer of the womb and was therefore unable to carry the pregnancy to full term. For her, this was a tragic circumstance - she already had six other children and was undoubtedly excited about this one too.
Just as I would use the word "child" to describe the unborn, I would also use the word "murder" in place of the medical term "abortion." I do understand that there are very few difficult (and tragic) circumstances where an abortion would not be considered "murder" - but the majority of cases deserve such a judgment. For those who are wondering about the ethics of my previous statement, you can email me and I would be glad to give you my case.
I am convinced that the Lord will use us all in different ways to battle the injustice in our country called abortion. If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to the cause, you can visit sites such as, Abort73, Live Action, and Save-A-Life.
These words bring a sense of responsibility and reality to the unborn situation. When we see images like this and use the word "children" to describe them, we understand more how there is no essential difference between the unborn and the born. They are children. They have names.
Follow this link to read an article about this little child. The mother had cancer of the womb and was therefore unable to carry the pregnancy to full term. For her, this was a tragic circumstance - she already had six other children and was undoubtedly excited about this one too.
Just as I would use the word "child" to describe the unborn, I would also use the word "murder" in place of the medical term "abortion." I do understand that there are very few difficult (and tragic) circumstances where an abortion would not be considered "murder" - but the majority of cases deserve such a judgment. For those who are wondering about the ethics of my previous statement, you can email me and I would be glad to give you my case.
I am convinced that the Lord will use us all in different ways to battle the injustice in our country called abortion. If you would like to learn more about how you can contribute to the cause, you can visit sites such as, Abort73, Live Action, and Save-A-Life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)