Romans 1- You're Not Getting Away With It

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness... For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of God for images..." (Romans 1:18, 21-23).

The exchange in Romans 1:23, the exchange of the glory of God for images, is common to all people. Instead of worshiping and serving the Creator God, we worship and serve images. The list of created things that we worship is incredibly long. And our ability to dismiss God and withhold from glorifying Him and thanking Him is incredible. In fact, this morning I have given very little worship or even thought to God. Granted I have already had my devotional time of reading the One Year Bible... But I immediately got up from that experience, drove to the office, and began to work without giving glory to God. I've got a task list... that task list is what is important when I work. God is not central to my work, work is. I have not gloried in God yet today, I glory in work. You may think, "Cory, this is a bit ridiculous! You have already had a quiet time and work is for work. Don't beat yourself up." But, we are to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). That requires a conscience awareness that my work is for God and to God. I am working today but not as if God were the central part of it. Do you see how subtle this exchange can be!?

Furthermore, there is much that we do that is not only unaware of God, but actually in opposition to Him. Sometimes we don't acknowledge God, but other times we simply don't care what He might want. We exchange His glory for whatever we want (vs. 23). And we think we get away with it! Because most days we don't see or feel the wrath of God towards our sin... we get away with it. God must not be that concerned because He doesn't do anything about it. So we persist in our sin. Is it really that bad to persist in sin? Sinclair Ferguson speaks to this issue:

[Men and women] think, "We despise His laws, and break them freely, yet no threatened thunderbolt of judgment touches us." In fact however, they are judicially blinded and hardened. They cannot see that the conscience-hardening and body destroying effects of their rebellion are the judgment of God.(In Christ Alone, pg. 40,41. Emphasis added).

I hope you feel the weightiness of this quote. The very fact that you are able to exchange the glory of God and worship created things as if you were getting away with it... is the punishment of God. That is the argument that Paul goes on to say, "God gave them over" (vs. 26). God, in a sense, lets go and lets us pursue our sins. We don't actually get away with disregarding God. We actually get exactly what we wanted.

Let me just point out how bogus this exchange is. We trade the infinite and awesome God for our petty pleasures. We rob ourselves. Thanks be to Jesus Christ that He redeems us from our futile thinking and foolish hearts. He rescues us. He rightly occupies our place of worship and restores us to a right relationship with the Father. He helps us to glorify God and give thanks to Him. He trades us His obedience and righteousness for our rebellion. We make a poor exchange but Christ strikes a killer deal with us. We get it all (His inheritance)... and our foolish rebellion is nailed to a tree.

Chapter 8 | Don't Waste Your Life

Chapter 8|MAKING MUCH OF CHRIST FROM 8 TO 5

A small group resource for students studying Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

Wouldn't it be incredible to live in constant state of summer vacation? No homework, no plan, no work... just pure bliss...

Actually the bible seems to indicate that we would be extremely unsatisfied without work (even though many of you might reply, "let me try!"). The bible actually makes a clear case for the importance of work and how we use it for the glory of God. Piper takes up his bible and pen once again to convince us to work for the glory of God.

While we are exploring this chapter I want you to extract the principle behind working for the glory of God. It would be a mistake to mentally check out before you finish the chapter because you are in school and don't have a job. The concept in this chapter is big enough to sweep you up into the conversation. The way you do your school work is under this concept, the yard project that you may work on this spring is included, the chores at home are in too, the group project for your AP class is in, and many other activities we do can be called work. So stick with this chapter to see that you have a call to make Jesus famous with the way you do your work.

It is important at the outset to say that both secular and Christian work can and does make Jesus famous. We need to fight the urge to call pastors and missionaries professional Christians and to think of other jobs as insignificant. We are all called to work for Christ and there is no distinction between pastor and layperson. "Martin Luther recaptured the biblical teaching of the priesthood of every Christian and blasted the spiritual line between clergy and laity" (pg. 132,133). We are all a part of the priesthood that speaks of Christ. And all of our work can be holy and pleasing to God. "Our ditches are to be dug straight, our pipe-fittings are not to leak, our cabinet corners should be flush, our surgical incisions should be clean, our word processing accurate and appealing, and our meals nutritious and attractive, because God is a God of order and beauty and competence" (pg. 141). When we work like that our work is just as pleasing to God as the work of a youth pastor studying and writing an article for his students (wink). Every project becomes an opportunity to glorify God and call men and women to Him when we work for His glory.

Now let us explore six ways that Piper gives in which we can use work to glorify God.

1. We make much of God in our secular job through the fellowship we enjoy with him throughout the day in all our work (pg. 136).

As Christians we have the unique ability to take God to work with us through prayer. When we utilize that experience we are working alongside of God and this brings us joy and Him glory. Piper gives us a threefold explanation: God is with us in work, we can constantly breath out praises to Him, and we can meditate on the promises of His word while we work. "In this way we fellowship with God, listening to Him through His word and thanking Him and praising Him and calling on Him for all we need" (pg. 138).

2. We make much of Christ in our secular work by joyful, trusting, God-exalting design of our creativity and industry (pg. 138).

Through our creativity and industry we can show the world what God is like. Piper says, "Being in the image of God means at least that we should image forth God. We should reflect what He is really like" (pg. 139). We have the opportunity to do this through the creativity and productivity of our work. Keep in mind, Piper says, "work is a good, God-like thing" (pg. 139). Work is not a curse, it is a blessing and an opportunity to demonstrate what God is like.

3. We make much of Christ in our secular work when it confirms and enhances the portrait of Christ's glory that people hear in the spoken gospel (pg. 142).

The way we work can serve as an piece of beautiful jewelry being worn by the gospel that we profess. "Our work is not the beautiful woman, but the necklace. The beautiful woman is the Gospel" (pg. 143).

4. We make much of Christ in our secular work by earning enough money to keep us from depending on others, while focusing on the helpfulness of our work rather than the financial rewards (pg. 144).

You are designed to provide for yourself in reliance of the strength God gives you. We are dependent on Him but we are called to be workers and providers. "Work with your hands ... so that you may ... be dependent on no one" (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Again Paul later writes to the same people whom he heard were not working, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies" (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 11). Piper says it like this, "Able-bodied people who choose to live in idleness and eat the fruit of another's sweat are in rebellion against God's design" (pg. 147).

5. We make much of Christ in our secular work by earning money with the desire to use our money to make others glad in God (pg. 150).

Ultimately, we work not to gain more stuff, but to demonstrate God's goodness and to provide for those in need. "You can steal to have. Or you can work to have. Or you can work to have to give. When the third option comes from joy in God's goodness, it makes Him look great in the world" (pg. 151).

6. We make much of Christ in our secular work by treating the web of relationships it creates as a gift of God to be loved by sharing the Gospel and by practical deeds of help (pg. 151).

Most importantly, work gives us a platform to share the Gospel. "No nice feelings about you as a good employee will save anyone. People must know the Gospel, which is the power of God unto eternal life" (pg. 152). We must speak the Gospel to our coworkers, customers, and friends. Work gives us a platform from which we can do that.

Work is a beautiful opportunity to display the majesty of Christ. It is not a means to get loot to get more stuff. It is not the way that you can get rich so you can be happy. Ultimately, work unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23) is a beautiful act of worship to God.

Do you do your homework in a way that teachers notice your hard work, creativity, and excellence?

Are your chores done in a way that you would want to show them off to Jesus? Sheets neatly tucked in, clothes put away, trash completely picked up and neatly placed on the curb etc...

Do you enjoy God while you are working by inviting Him to be a part of it through prayer and praise?

Would coworkers give you an ear for you to speak the Gospel based on your hard work, attitude, and effort?

or,

Would the Gospel seem out of line because of inconsistencies of your character, slacking-off, cutting corners, and general laziness?

God, help us to work for your glory in way that displays your goodness. And, when you tell us to speak give us courage to proclaim the Gospel with our words, having already lived out the effects of the gospel with our conduct. Amen

Romans 1- Spreading like Wildfire

You know how a good rumor spreads fast? In middle school if a rumor got started it only took about half a day for it to spread within our school (admittedly I attended a very small school where kindergarten through 8th were all in the same building and totaled about 200 kids). Then, it wasn't long after, if the news was big, the parents would all find out that evening. The reason is that news can spread like wildfire.

"I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world" (vs. 8).

What was it about the Romans that caused a worldwide report? There are obviously many factors that must have contributed, including Rome's influence and communication etc... But I do not want to overlook the simple fact that the Roman Christians must have been doing something incredibly right. How could we become more like them?

I think one hindrance we may have is that we segregate our lives. We do work stuff at work, home stuff at home, friend stuff when with friends, and church stuff at church. Our lives our disjointed. Think for a moment what your non-christian friends would think if they saw you at a worship service... they may be weirded out because that is not the same person they usually see. What we need is to allow the gospel to permeate every sphere of our lives. We need to let our faith in Jesus come through in every way in every opportunity.

Shouldn't the work of Christ in our lives be a normal part of our conversation? Wouldn't it make sense to pray before we go to work that the Gospel would be spoken about by us and demonstrated by godly character and holiness? Wouldn't it be cool if God used you on your campus or place of work to be a newsworthy messenger of the Gospel?

Our lives should be a demonstration of faith. Our decisions, actions, attitudes, deeds, and words should all build on one another to prove our faith in Jesus Christ.

Rome was a community of faith that was living out their trust in Jesus in a way that was noteworthy... and I want to be a part of a community of faith like that. When the gospel gets traction in our lives it will be some big news. It will spread like wildfire in our community and throughout the region and even to the world. If we will let the gospel dominate our lives, the world will be dominated with the message of Christ.

Lord, help us to become people that exhibit faith in You. Help our lives to be a message of faith that is noteworthy enough to be talked about. Let the message spread from hear to the ends of the earth. Jesus make us your people. Amen

Where We Might Go From Here

It has been a busy week at Central! Joseph and I moved offices. Above you can see the final product. So for the past couple days we have been working hard at throwing away old stuff, moving office furniture, organizing our stuff, shredding documents, and all sorts of other fun stuff. Needless to say, I have had little time to think about centralstudentsministry.blogspot.com

Last week we finished up our walk through Acts and now we need some new content. I have a couple of ideas... we could either, continue in the New Testament and start Romans, or we could do an Old Testament book, or even blog a few posts on Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers by Arthur Bennett.

hmmm....

Having thought long and hard on this I choose Romans and VoV. I will attempt to regularly post on Romans and intersperse a prayer or two from "Valley of Vision" when time permits. Happy Reading!

Chapter 7 | Don't Waste Your Life

Chapter 7|LIVING TO PROVE HE IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN LIFE

A small group resource for student reading Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

This chapter sounds the same note that has been struck at youth group over the past couple weeks. The truth about Jesus that we talk and sing about should change our lives. Our lives should have a noticeable difference as a result of the gospel. Piper opens the chapter by saying it this way, "To make others glad in God with everlasting gladness, our lives must show that he is more precious than life" (pg. 107 emphasis added). In other words, if we truly value Jesus Christ, then our decisions will reflect that value. Our lives and our possessions will not be our treasure (because Christ is), and others will see that we put our hope in something greater, namely Christ. The idea is that our lives should be an indicator of how great our God is. We should be pointing people to God. This means our lives will look different than the lives of our un-believing friends.

"If Christ is an all-satisfying treasure and promises to provide all our needs, even through famine and nakedness, then to live as though we had all the same values as the world would betray him" (pg. 107). Piper has in mind here both money and possessions. "If we want to make people glad in God, our lives must look as if God, not possessions, is our joy" (pg. 111).

How can we do this? What sort of mindset will it take to help us accurately view our money and possessions? Piper offers us the useful terminology of "Wartime Lifestyle." Which he reminds us that we need to constantly revisit:

"I need to hear this message again and again because I slip into a peace time mind-set as certainly as rain falls down and flames go up. I am wired to love the same toys that the world loves. I start to fit in. I start to love what others love. I start to call earth "home." Before you know it, I am calling luxuries "needs" and using my money just the way unbelievers do. I begin to forget the war. I don't think much about people perishing. Missions and unreached peoples drop out of my mind. I stop dreaming about the triumphs of grace. I sink into a secular mind-set that looks first to what man can do, not what God can do. It is a terrible sickness. And I thank God for those that have forced me again and again towards a wartime mind-set" (pg. 112)

This is a helpful mindset to remind us to be on mission with Jesus. It is all too easy to settle into routine and forget that Christ enlists us into His Kingdom work. "A wartime lifestyle implies that there is a great and worthy cause for which to spend and be spent" (pg. 114). Then Piper gives many illustrations to help us grasp the nature of the cause. He even points out that sinners give themselves devotedly to causes, so we should be all the more eager to give ourselves unreservedly to the greatest cause ever, the cause of Christ!

But, we can easily be hindered from full on enlistment. Piper offers two distractions... television and clothes. Unfortunately there are way more than two distractions but it helps us to think through these two. With television (and I will throw internet into this discussion too), it is far too easy to waste our lives in front of the monitor. We may not be watching or viewing inappropriate content, but the sheer amount deadens us to the realities of life and the urgency of our mission. The quote from Douglas Groothuis was fascinating and convicting:

The images appear and disappear and reappear without a proper rationale context. An attempt at a sobering news story about slavery in the Sudan is followed by a lively advertisement for Disneyland, followed by an appeal to purchase panty hose that will make any woman irresistible, etc., ad nauseum" (pg. 122).

I was reminded of how much this occurs as we surf facebook and blogs. Many times throughout the day I will read jolly posts from my friends, then click over to some devastating issue addressed in a blog or news site like the death of missionaries, then look at my phone to view a text from my soon to be wife, and unfortunately I cannot process that I should be saddened over the devastating news, or laugh at the facebook post, or smile because of the text. It is simply too much. So, I go into a catatonic state that usually takes me 30 minutes to shake once I leave the office. Then, imagine getting a phone call from someone in need of ministry!? I am hardly fit to take the call!

The other issue that Piper raises is how young people view their clothes, which actually stems from a much larger issue of desperately wanting a noticeable self-identity... or wanting to be cool. "What a tragedy to see so many young people obsessed with what they wear and how thy look" (pg. 126). I know Piper is much older than even some of your parents and maybe you could view him as 'old-fashioned.' So let me point you to some young people raising the same issue. Alex and Bret Harris from therebelution.com have written much on modesty. You can read an article on modesty here.

Piper's prayer for us is in this regard is priceless:

"O God, who will get in their face and give them something to live for? They waste their days in a trance of insignificance, trying to look cool or talk cool or walk cool. They don't have a clue what cool is" (pg. 128).

Our desire is that you think through not only TV, internet, and clothing, but EVERYTHING you do. We want you to really evaluate whether or not your life points people to Christ. So let us end with some questions:

Do you treasure Christ?

Do your decisions reflect that you treasure Christ?

Would friends or coworkers have any reason to ask for the hope that you have?

or,

Are you an undercover Christian that looks exactly like everyone else?

Will Christ be ashamed of you before His Father (because you have been ashamed of Him before men)?

We pray that you live up to the calling which Christ has placed on you.

Acts 29- What's Your Contribution to the Story?

As we have wrapped up our walk through Acts there are a couple things I want to remind you of. First, God is still at work! The book of Acts is a gnarly story of the start of the Church. It shows how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things. It shows the beginnings of a Church that the gates of hell cannot prevail against. And, it leaves us hanging because it is only the beginning of an ongoing story. 2000 years later the Church is still on the move. The Holy Spirit is still progressing the Kingdom through the Church. I am reminded that even as I write this great things are happening globally for the cause of Christ. The Lausanne Congress convenes this year in Capetown, South Africa to discuss the future of the Church. Furthermore, so many young people are passionate about Christ and His bride. Over the past years, many networks of young people have cropped up and banned together for their passion to create God-honoring movements.

That leads me to the second thing I want to point out. One of those movements is called Acts29 Church Planting Network. It is a network of people that are passionate about planting God-centered, Christ exalting, bible saturated, Gospel-driven Churches. I recommend checking out their site and keeping tabs on what they are up to.

Finally, what is your contribution to the story? How are you giving yourself to the cause of Christ? Are you sold out to the church? Are you passionate about the Bride of Christ and work of the Holy Spirit through the people of God?

In our day and age many people have a grudge against the Church. Many see the flaws of the Bride and poke fun or boycott organized Christianity. But let me try to help you reconsider. The Church has never been flawless. It is filled with people in need of redemption. Broken people, sinful people, people in need of a Savior. Even in the early church in Acts there were issues. There were hypocrites in the midst (Acts 5), quarrels over how leadership serve (Acts 6), and many other issues. So, in light of the flaws even in the early church, do you really want to be the person calling King Jesus' Bride a hot-mess? I'm just guessing but I don't think it will go well for people that call the Bride ugly?

We want to be a people passionate about Christ's Bride, the Church. Praying for the washing of the Word in preparation of the wedding feast (Ephesians 5). Helping to adorn Her with beauty and splendor.

God make us ready. Give us a deep love for the Church and an eye on the horizon for what you are up to in our world. Help us to recognize that the Church is growing rapidly all over the world. Let us be a part of that Kingdom expansion, for Your glory. Amen.

Acts 28- Two Years of Good Livin'

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." (Acts 28:30,31)

Is this considered a short or long amount of time? Some would consider 2 years a very brief amount of time. Hardly worth consideration. Others might see two years as an eternity. Either way we should note what Paul spent his time doing. Paul to me is the biggest stud ever. I mean he lives life. There are few people living like Paul. This man knows how to be fully alive. He just spent weeks in a ship, got smashed up on the shores of Malta, gets bitten by a snake and cursed by the natives, survives the snakebite and gets called a god, all the while he is a prisoner in transport on his way to a trial. But, he keeps his cool. Preaches to the masses from all of scripture. Then, when they won't listen to them he rebukes em' and rents a house to set up shop and preach!? This guy is incredible. Now he welcomes anyone who comes to visit him and teaches teaches them about the Lord Jesus Christ. He is a missionary. A church planter. A humble yet confident leader. An imitable elder. A lover of Christ and a dedicated follower of Him.

I want to be Paul when I grow up.

But let's ask a few questions to help us wrap ourselves into this text. Do you understand that God has ordered the circumstances so that you would be in the exact place where you are right now? Do you understand that God wants to teach you new things while you are here? In what ways are you planning your departure maybe before God even calls you to leave? Are you giving yourself completely to the task at hand? Are you preaching about Christ relentlessly in your setting?

God help us to be like Paul. Help us to have courage and boldness to proclaim Your greatness. Help us to see Christ in all of Scripture and to live life with passion for Your sake and Your glory. Amen

Stott's Take on Lausanne

"Our spirit is one of joy and hope that God will work in fresh ways as we look forward to Christ's return."

Rev. Dr. John R.W. Stott, Chief Architect, The Lausanne Covenant

Lausanne Movement Conversation

I am so excited about this Congress meeting that will gather in Capetown, South Africa in October. Tomorrow morning there is a conversation gathering at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Then, tomorrow night at youth group we will address some issues surrounding the Church. What does that have to do with jr high or high school? We need to teach our kids that they are a part of something bigger than a crew that meets in a basement in Beloit Wisco.

The world is changing but the Gospel is big enough to handle all of the changes. Please put Lausanne on your radar. Follow them on facebook and twitter.

12 Cities | 12 Conversations from ConversationGatherings on Vimeo.

Acts 28- Paul Takes a Ride With Some Little g's

"After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux." (vs. 11).

I wonder why that verse is included? It is seemingly insignificant to describe the ship that they used to get from an island to Rome. But I think it serves as a good reminder that we do not have to alienate ourselves from the world. Christians all too often condemn the sins of the world. We are not called to eradicate sin without, we are called to eradicate sin within. Paul did not say, "there is no way I am riding in a ship with these false godheads on the front!" It is a reality of life that people will serve created things and not God (Romans 1:25). That does not mean that we cut ourselves off from the world.

"I have written you in this letter not to associate with any sexual immoral people [the context is speaking of a sexual deviant, but we could safely interpret as any immorality]-- not at all meaning the people of this world. In that case you would have to leave the world. But now I am writing these things that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother (Christian) and is [sexually] immoral." (1 Cor. 5:9-11a)

Christians need to be reminded that the world will live and act how they please. We are not to judge. Who or what are you judging that is outside the camp of Christianity? Please stop. Feel free to take a ride in a sin ship. Coming into contact does not contaminate. Furthermore, if you repel people before you even tell them about Christ that is doubly terrible.

The Rebelution

I wanted to remind you about an amazing site that you should cruise to. It is called TheRebelution.com

Two young men are challenging young people to do something rad with their lives. If you know me personally, I am very pumped on this idea. I think young people should be challenged to do great things with their lives and they do not need to wait until they are all grown up before they can serve Christ.

I was checking out their site in the anticipation of their second book called "Start Here" a follow up to their first top selling "Do Hard Things." The first book is definitely worth the read, and I am excited about the follow up too. But what I stumbled on, and what I wanted to bring your attention to, was the resources page on their site. It is chocked-full of phenomenal articles! Please read some of the great links that they have went to the trouble of tracking down and putting in one place for you. It is good stuff!

The Time I Wanted To Be god

I was reminded recently about the appeal of manipulation. When I was a student at Hononegah High School, I had a fascinating teacher named Mr. Muldowney. I loved him. I loved every minute of his class. He was a brilliant man. Well read. Great teacher. But, the thing that intrigued me most, was his ability to manipulate (I am sure he would not appreciate it being called this, but I have no better word). He was like the new version of Sherlock Holmes. In any moment I imagined him dissecting the entire class with keen observation of the little details that seemingly went unnoticed (Just like in the recent movie where time would seem to stop and Holmes could analyze and decide what course of action to take). Then my teacher, Mr. Muldowney, would bring these observations to light exposing his brilliance and leaving a whole class of high school seniors scratching their heads and fawning over him.

To add to my appreciation of him, he gave us all nick names based on personality traits and experiences we had. I never saw Muldowney get stumped by a question and if a student acted up you can only imagine the embarrassment that Muldowney could command. I was always a little nervous around him. But, it was a nervousness that made me adore him more. This experience set me on a trajectory.

From that point on I decided that I wanted to study psychology. The content was interesting but what I really desired was to be like Muldowney. I wanted that sort of keen observation, his people skills, his ability to command attention and manipulate a crowd.

...I never finished my degree in psychology. In the providence of God, I was called to ministry and out of the university setting for a while. Not only that, I now see the sillyness of wanting to have those skills. Really, I wanted to be a little god. Actually a big god but I say now with ironic tones 'a little god' because I know how tiny I would truly be. Now, I am not saying that psychology is inherently evil or something weird like that. I still admire my high school psychology teacher and even the character of Sherlock Holmes. However, these skills left unattended could be damaging to the soul.

This past Friday and Saturday I attended an American Camp Association Conference and there was a presenter much like Muldowney. A presenter was able to take 400 adults and literally 'manipulate' them. It was bizarre to watch the adults basically do exactly what this presenter was commanding them to do.

So the past couple of days I have wrestled with how or if these 'tricks,' as he called them, should be used in ministry. I see value in capturing the attention of camp kids or ministry students to help them settle for an announcement or large group teaching. But, I hold in tension Paul's strategy of ministry.

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Sometimes I think tricks can get in the way. Persuasive words and little techniques are just that, persuasive words and little techniques. As great as it may seem to have a day of camp (or a Wednesday night) go well because we manipulated the group to be quiet, pay attention, and act how we instruct them to, it is still missing a big component. What we need is for life change to occur. At the end of the day, we want our kids to have been changed by an encounter of the Spirit's power. We do not simply want to modify behavior. We are trying to do something much greater. Therefore, it is critical that we enlist much prayer, and even simplify our strategy to almost nil, because then God is the one at work. Not us. Not a bunch of little gods trying to make things happen, but truly the living God at work making real life-change happen.

I resolve to know nothing while I am with you, not techniques, not tricks, not strategy. I resolve to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, the power of God and the wisdom of God. Amen.

Acts 27- Faith Equals Keeping Your Cool

"But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island" (Acts 27:22-26).

Does your faith in Christ keep you calm and collected? It did for Paul. It is hard to even imagine being in this predicament. The ship had been lassoed with ropes to hold it together. The cargo had been pitched. The storms were not letting up. Every man was terrified of what might come of this. Furthermore, Paul references this terrible experience along with being cold, naked, hungry, beaten, in trouble from all sorts of dangers, etc... so he does not give us even an inch to say, 'couldn't have been that bad.' No. It was worse than we imagine. Yet, Paul seems to have a handle on things. I understand that he had an angel visit him but even so, it is impressive the way this stud carries himself in the midst of a literal storm.

How is your lack of faith allowing the storms of life to upset you? When things do not go according to your plan, are you at a loss? Are you totally devastated when everything is falling down around you? Or, is your faith in the unshakable Christ? Are you able to say;

"Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever." -A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Chapter 6 | Don't Waste Your Life

Chapter 6|THE GOAL OF LIFE--GLADLY MAKING OTHERS GLAD IN GOD

A small group resource for CSM students that are studying John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life book.

As tricky as this chapter may seem, the concept is actually quite simple. We will state the main concept upfront as an attempt to give us the right lenses to read the chapter with...

The goal of life is to help people fall in love with Jesus.

It is through a right relationship with Jesus that we experience the greatest joys in life. Therefore, it is right of us to consider how we might help others experience that joy.

The chapter starts with a plea to be forgiving. Piper says, "If you are wired to see other people's faults and failures and offenses, and treat them roughly, you will not take risk for their joy" (pg. 99). The idea is that to truly love others we must be able to look past their faults and extend grace to those in need. This means we look past the sins of our family members, no matter how terrible those sins may be, and forgive them. We look past the faults of our fellow classmates and forgive, even if it is extremely difficult. It is a radical concept but to show the love of Christ to others we must be willing to lay down our unforgiving and critical spirit. What grudges are you still holding?

But where can this sort of insane forgiveness come from? What is the source of this forgiveness? It comes from understanding the grace that was extended to us in the gospel. "We have been forgiven by God when we did not deserve it" (pg. 100). It is a beautiful truth that God pardons our sins and forgives us as Piper points out:

"Forgiveness is essentially God's way of removing the great obstacle of fellowship with him. By cancelling our sin and paying for it with the death of His own Son, God opens the for us to see Him and know Him and enjoy Him forever" (pg. 100).

That sort of forgiven-ness is the source of our infinite joy. This joy that we experience is not meant to be kept to ourselves. We are to share it. The bible says of it, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Therefore, it is not only appropriate but right to extend that same sort of forgiveness to others. And the motive as Piper points out "for being a forgiving person is the joy of being freely and joyfully at home with God." When we forgive we are acting inline with the character of God and drawing people to Him. Even more, we ourselves are gaining closer fellowship with Him. We are in good company when we forgive, the company of God. So everybody wins when we are forgiving. We win, the people we forgive win (they get forgiven by us and God), and even God wins! Forgiveness is a powerful thing.

Christians should be marked by a generous, merciful, and forgiving spirit. It should be normal for a Christian to act graciously toward others. In fact, Piper quotes Robert Murray M'Chynne to say that if you are not generous and compassionate, you should be concerned (pg. 102). Piper goes on to say that if we are truly living for the glory of God then "we live to make others glad in God" (pg. 102). It is our calling. It is our greatest task. We are called to share the love of Christ with those in need. "If we experience forgiveness as the free and undeserved gift of joy in God, then we will be carried by this joy, with love, into a world of sin and suffering" (pg. 101). Our goal in life is "gladly making others glad in Christ." Piper does not mean that we simply invite someone to church, or have a conversation with a friend about Jesus, or simply hand out an evangelistic track. Our desire is to see the fullness of the message of Christ expressed in their lives:

"When I speak of the gladness in God, therefore, I mean gladness that has roots in God's eternal decree, was purchased by the blood of Christ, springs up in the newborn heart because of God's Spirit, awakens in repentance and faith, constitutes the essence of sanctification and Christlikeness, and gives rise to a life of love and a passion for redeeming the world after the image of God. Gladness in God is a massive reality planned and purchased and produced by God in the lives of His elect for the glory of His name" (pg. 104, 105).

Now lets touch this thing down on our soil... So our goal in life is to share the joy of Christ with people at our schools? ...YES! God is enlisting us into the joys of sharing His joy with others. We are supposed to be a people so overwhelmed with Him that we share Him with others.

Do you desire to be a part of that colossal plan?

Do you feel so overwhelmed by the love of God that you want to share it?

What keeps you from sharing that joy in God with others?

Staff Meeting

We listened to a Keller sermon at staff meeting today... It was super good. (Kinda funny that I posted a Keller link earlier today) Just thought I would add the intro video to whet your taste for more Gospel-centered resources by Keller:

Tim Keller - Leadership Summit Intro from Redeemer City to City on Vimeo.

To download more resources check out Redeemer's Free Resources.

or check out the Fellowship of Grace Series based on Luke 15

Tim Keller - Gospel in Life

There is a new resource that I wanted to make you aware of. Tim Keller has created a new small group resource to help people apply the gospel to their lives. Gospel in Life: How Grace Changes Everything

Please visit the webpage and see what you think. gospelinlife.com

Trailer for Gospel in Life from Redeemer City to City on Vimeo.

Acts 26- The Insanity of Christianity

""You are out of your mind Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane"" (Acts 26:24).

There is a sense that Christianity is ludicrous. Paul says in another place the message of the cross is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). In reality, the gospel is an absurd message to the wisdom of the world.

Our Christian experience says that we experience Jesus Christ, the Ruler of the Universe (even though he has been crucified). Our experience then proclaims that by faith in this crucified man, we have forgiveness of sins. Then, it calls us to proclaim that very message to the world in an act of reconciling all men to Him. It calls us to repent and to prove our repentance by deeds (vs. 20). And, it says that all along this was the revealed will of God as spoken of through the centuries. Furthermore, faith in Jesus means that you follow a persecuted leader and most likely suffer persecution too. This is bizarre. Either, this is the greatest message the world has heard worthy of total commitment, or Paul ate some old pizza and is delusional.

But Paul says, "I am not insane... what I am saying is reasonable" (vs. 25).

So why is the gospel outrageous and do you believe these outrageous claims?

1) It calls us sinners

"I preached that they should repent" (vs. 20). All have sinned and are in need of a Savior. This is the truest reality of humanity. We have broken fellowship with the Creator of the universe by rebelling against Him. We were designed to know and be known by Him but we push aside His rights over our lives and live as if we were gods. "We commit cosmic treason"- R.C. Sproul

2) The gospel damns our religion

Paul had spent his entire life living by religion. "[Paul lived] according to the strictest sect of [their] religion, a Pharisee" (vs. 5). Paul had spend his life trying to live according to the rules. Paul was trying to please God by his actions. He was what all parents desire their kids to be. He was honest, upright, trustworthy, and passionate. Paul was an extremely moral person. But morality is not what God desires of us. The gospel actually shows us that our religion is at best inadequate, and at worst, directly opposed to Christ. Jesus says, "why do you persecute Me?" (vs. 14). Morality and religion can be two of the biggest obstacles to faith. Those who are seemingly closest to Christ in outward appearance can sometimes be the furthest away. Our religion is insufficient and inadequate. Note: this may be the most offensive part of the gospel. It is part of our hellish nature that we want to earn our right standing with God. We want to prove our worth. So, a gospel that strips us of our ability to perform for God is insane and flat out offensive.

3) It requires an experience with the Risen Lord.

"Now get up and stand on your feet. I [Jesus] have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness" (vs. 16). There is no faith apart from a faith in the experience of the crucified and risen Christ. There is no entry point to our faith except the door that is Jesus Christ. It is exclusive. Our faith begins and ends with a person, namely Jesus Christ.

4) The gospel requires repentance and action

"...repent and turn to God and prove [your] repentance by [your] deeds" (vs. 20). We are sinful and even our best works are filled with sin. Therefore the gospel demands that we renounce our sinful actions. We need to turn from our self righteous abilities and then put our faith in Christ. We need to turn from sin to the holy Christ. But even beyond that, we must live according to our repentance. False repentance leads to unchanged lives. The proof of repentance lies in the change that occurs. Grace actually transforms us to live holy and pleasing lives. Here is a telling question; are your deeds proving your repentance? Does your life reflect the transforming power of the gospel?

5) The gospel doesn't play favorites

"I stand here and testify to small and great alike" (vs. 22). The gospel is not so concerned with getting the "Christian Celebrities" (even tho most Christians are enamored with that concept). The gospel is not looking for the wealthiest or most talented people to be drafted onto the team. Most of the time, the gospel shines brightest in the most insignificant and ordinary people. Paul says in another place; "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not may of you were wise by human standards; not many of you were influential; not many were of noble birth" (1 Cor 1:26). Then he goes on to say, "God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Essentially, the gospel doesn't play favorites! Praise God for that one.

For those and many other reasons, the gospel is insane. But, although it shames the wisdom of the world, it is the greatest message ever told!

Chapter 5 | Don't Waste Your Life

Chapter 5|RISK IS RIGHT-BETTER TO LOSE YOUR LIFE THAN TO WASTE IT

small group resource for groups studying John Piper's book Don't Waste Your Life

As I re-read these chapters I am flooded with emotions surrounding some massive work God did on me in February of 2007. After a surgery on my ACL and months of wrestling with God over how unfair His ways can seem (particularly for someone trying to serve Him), I begrudgingly went to a Passion Conference from Jan 1st through the 5th of 2007. It was there that I was introduced to the teachings of two very important saints in my Christian development, Francis Chan and John Piper. After the conference I downloaded a ton of their sermons and bought Piper's book DWYL. A couple short weeks later I boarded a plane for Nairobi Kenya and set off for a month long journey to serve the orphans in the slums of Africa. I brought with me my copy of DWYL.

It was on the plane ride home that I read the majority of the book (two 8 hr flights). I remember how much the content of DWYL resonated with my recent experiences. I had just spent a month with missionaries that had given up the comforts of my home town, Roscoe, IL to move to a far away land. Was their risk right? Was it right to peal their two boys away from a good public school system and make them grow up in danger? We will see as we explore this chapter.

The reason why this chapter is so important to us as a youth group, is because it flies in the face of conventional wisdom. It swims upstream against the currents of culture that tell you to play it safe. Most of the influences on you in the next years will tell you the opposite of this chapter. Unfortunately, parents too will beg you not to risk. Family, friends, teachers, and media will all plea with you that you go to school, find a nice person to settle down with, get into a career that you enjoy, buy a home in a gated or safe community and live the good life. Christ calls us to something greater.

I want to point out a concern before we go any further. Piper addresses it halfway through this chapter but I want to raise the flag earlier. The problem is that it is sexy to be a risk taker. I do not want to encourage these thoughts at all. Piper calls it, "risking for the wrong reasons" (pg. 90). I think that at your age you have to be careful of your motives and test your heart. The reason for taking risk is not self-exultation. Instead, risking for Christ is only appropriate when we are called to the task. Piper goes on to say, "risk for the cause of God is not heroism, or the lust for adventure, or the courage of self-reliance, or the need to earn God's good will, but rather faith in the all-providing, all-ruling, all-satisfying Son of God, Jesus Christ" (pg. 90). Faith in Jesus is the only pure motivator in our risk. If you are motivated to risk for any other reason, then you should draw back and reconsider.

Now that we have outlined the pitfalls of risk, let's examine if we are called to the task. What is risk? Piper defines it as "any action that exposes you to the possibility of loss" (pg. 79). He then goes on to explain that there is no way to escape risk. "Risk is a mirage. It doesn't exist" (pg. 81). There is no such thing as playing it safe. You can live in a gated community and protect yourself from as many dangers as possible, but there are still uncertainties. You could slip getting out of the shower and break your neck. You could get blind-sided while driving to school. You could catch a cold that leads to your death. Ultimately, safety is a myth.

Piper goes on to demonstrate the uncertainties of life and the power of risking in the story line of the Bible. He uses the story of Joab from 2 Samuel 10, the story of Esther, and the story of the three Hebrews from Daniel... I do not want to spoil these powerful illustrations of risk for you so be ready to get rocked. Essentially, characters in the bible are willing to put their trust in God (take a risk) even though they are uncertain of the outcome. Does that accurately describe you?

Furthermore, the call to Christianity is the call to a life of risk. In the history of Christianity it has been normal that Christians suffer and die for their faith. Is that a risk worth taking? In the eyes of Paul it certainly was. "I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13). In addition, "Paul says that the love of Christ does not eliminate our suffering. On the contrary, our very attachment to Christ will bring suffering" (pg. 92). To associate with Christ is to risk your life and to suffer persecution. "In fact, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted" (2 Tim 3:12).

What of the promises in the Bible? What of the promise that "we are more than conquerors?" (Romans 8:37) Or the promise from Matthew 5 that if we seek first the kingdom we will be given all these things- meaning comforts like clothes, food, and other necessities? Piper calls to attention the paradox of these promises:

""Well, which is it?" we might ask. Are Christians subject to "famine and nakedness" or will God provide "all these things" when we need them? Will Christians never hunger or starve or be ill-clothed? Have not some of the greatest saints in the world been stripped and starved? What about Hebrews 11:37-38? ...What, then, does Jesus mean when he says, "all these things-all your food and clothing- will be added to you when you seek first his kingdom? He meant that you will have everything you need to do his will and be eternally and supremely happy in him." (pg. 93, 94 emphasis added)

It gets even better! The risks that we take for Christ that lead to suffer loss actually achieve for us a gain. "This slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Piper illustrates how our hardships and enemies can become more than conquered: "The aim of the attacker is to destroy you, and cut you off from Christ, and bring you to final ruin without God. You are a conqueror if you defeat this aim and remain in the love of Christ" (pg. 96). Paul's life illustrates to us how this works:

[Paul's conflict] "has been taken captive, so to speak. It has been enslaved and made to serve Paul's everlasting joy. "Affliction" the former enemy, is now working for Paul. It is preparing for Paul "an eternal weight of glory." His enemy is now his slave. He has not only conquered his enemy. He has more than conquered him." (pg. 97)

Risk is right for the believer. It is appropriate for us to lay down our rights for the greater cause of Christ. Even if the result is hunger, cold, nakedness, or even pain. It was right for my friends to move to Kenya to minister to orphans and widows. There risk does not go unnoticed. Their risk is earning for them "an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison!"

Are you willing to risk for Christ's sake?

What risk do you consider too great for the cause of Christ?

Is there any specific risk Jesus might be calling you to this week?

I'm Not Francis Chan

Here is my thought after last night: I'm not Francis Chan... no surprise right? I'm not Asian, I don't live in southern California, I haven't written a best selling book, and I can't talk for 45 mins without notes and make everything earth-shattering and life-changing.

One reason why this thought raced through my head is because last night I made some points that were poorly tied to the text and unclear. I remember thinking in the middle of the talk, "I don't know where I am going with this." Then I was also shot through by a thought from the book "Applying the Sermon" saying, "if the preacher doesn't understand, how in the world could the people possibly understand?" All of this compounds to make me realize, I need to do a better job in preparation.

Why did I make this observation? Because, sometimes I get spiritual envy. I wish I could do what Francis does. But, what I need to learn is that it is more important that I recognize my calling and live in it. Instead of wishing I was leading thousands of people in California, I should be leading a handful of students in Beloit well. Instead of wishing I was writing books, I should focus on writing things that make sense and apply to our students. Instead of standing up every week with a couple of notes scribbled on a weak outline, I should have written out what I am going to say. Instead of pretending I am gifted enough to 'wing it', I should be prepared.

Two lessons that I learned last night. First, it is better to be faithful. God may never see me fit to lead more than 100 people. So, I shouldn't look on other more "successful" ministries with lust filled eyed. I need to recognize that God can and is using me here. A student came up to me last night and expressed how God is at work in her life through the ministry that I am a part of here. What could possibly be better than that? I need to remain faithful. Second, I have to know myself well. I cannot pretend to be someone I am not. Although Chan can probably come up with a message backstage before speaking to thousands, I cannot. I need to do the leg work and preparation before hand. I cannot skip out on hard work and expect for miraculous things to happen. That is presumptuous. For me to deliver a God honoring message probably means that I need to write out in full and prayerfully re-work and edit the message a couple times.

Faithfulness sometimes calls us to do the hard work. Sometimes Jesus gives us the strength but also essentially says, "you do it."

This is a reminder to all of us that we need to live the lives that God calls us to. You are uniquely you. God has wired and gifted you to do what only you can. So live in it. Be faithful to Jesus and carry out your task today.

Chapter 4 | Don't Waste Your Life

Chapter 4|MAGNIFYING CHRIST THROUGH PAIN AND DEATH

A resource for small groups going through the book Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper.

Since I have been on staff at Central Christian Church, there have been several deaths that have directly affected our youth group. Grandparents eventually fade, loved ones' health fails, suicide has taken three young lives, natural disasters have come, and tragedy happens. Not only has our group experienced death, we have also seen sickness and pain. Hardship is a reality of life. That is why getting this concept deep in your soul is critically important to prepare you for life's difficulties.

I remember how much this chapter affected me three years ago. As I read, my eyes were opened to the concept of suffering for Christ. Ashley (my beautiful future wife) began to say, "You love suffering!" Which is an untrue statement but I do love that I can show how much I cherish Christ when I suffer. This concept has impacted me personally and has marked the way we have done ministry at CSM.

It should be no surprise that CSM has attempted to prepare you for suffering. That is why when CSM took over "big church" last fall, we took as our topic, "Why Suffer?" And, we continue to revisit this idea month after month.

Now for the task at hand: chapter 4. The point of the chapter is that the way we respond to suffering can do one of two things. Our response to suffering can either belittle Jesus and be a waste, or, it can show how much we adore Jesus. Following Jesus is difficult and filled with hardships. Piper starts the chapter by saying, "Living to magnify Christ is costly," and goes on to say, "[Jesus'] beauty shines most brightly when treasured above health and wealth and life itself" (pg. 61) The idea is that God gives us an opportunity to display how much we love Christ when we go through difficulties. Do we love Christ more than we love our comfort?

Piper looks to Paul as our example of a person who understands this. Paul was able to sit in a dark prison cell while uncertain of his outcome and say, "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21) The question that arises from Paul's radical statement is this; 'how does dying become a gain?' The answer is that when we die, we go to be with Jesus. And when He is your desire, then death means gain. I love the series of questions that follow:

"Really? Better than all the friends at school? Better than falling in love? Better than hugging your children? Better than professional success? Better than retirement and grandchildren?" (Pg. 67)

And we could add to the list many other things... Better than getting your drivers' license? Better than holding your crush's hand? Better than winning the tournament? Better than getting a good grade on a difficult exam? Better than summer vacation? Better than a road trip? Better than seeing your favorite band at a concert? The answer according to Piper and the Bible; "Yes. A thousand times better" (pg. 67).

When we can say with Paul that death would be gain, then we have come to a point where life is gain too! To die is gain but also, "to live is Christ!" Piper puts it like this, "If we learn to die like this, we will be ready to live. And if we don't, we will waste our lives" (pg. 69). If you consider Christ a treasure worthy of dying to be with, then your every day life can be lived in service to Him.

"Daily Christian living, means daily Christian dying" (pg. 71). Following Jesus means that we 'take up our crosses [die to ourselves] daily.' It means that we recognize Christ has a better plan for our lives than we do for ourselves. We submit to His plan even if it leads us to make HUGE sacrifices. He knows better. So, following Him is gain.

Here is a magnificent truth about Christian suffering; "How we handle loss shows who our treasure is" (pg. 72). When struggles come and difficulty strikes, your attitude reveals what you really care about. If your treasure is your comfort or your possessions, then losing them will crush you. However, if your treasure is Jesus Christ, then your greatest reward can never be taken from you. Even if everything else is.

"God's glory shines more brightly when he satisfies us in times of loss than when he provides for us in times of plenty... The world is not impressed when Christians get rich and say thanks to God. They are impressed when God is so satisfying that we give our riches away for Christ and count it gain" (pg. 72,73).

We have the ability to reveal our treasure through our struggles. Our friends may ask how we can be joyful even in the midst of loss. Then we can show them it is because our treasure is Christ, and we will never lose Him.

Bottom line is everyone who follows Christ will suffer. The Bible puts it this way, "All who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). Hardship is coming.

What a tragic waste when people turn away from the Calvary road of love and suffering. All the riches of the glory of God in Christ are on that road. All the sweetest fellowship with Jesus is there. All the treasures of assurance. All the ecstasies of joy... They are all on the Calvary road where Jesus walks with his people. Take up your cross and follow Jesus. On this road, and this road alone, life is Christ and death is gain. Life on every other road is wasted (pg. 76,77)

Here are a couple questions to ask ourselves after processing this chapter.

1) What are some of the things that I would have the hardest time giving up?

2) Do I really think that Christ is better than those things?

3) Pray that God would reveal Christ as a greater treasure than (fill in the blank)__________. Pray also that you would be prepared to magnify Christ in pain and suffering.

Don't Waste Your Life| Small Groups

It has come to my attention that some students in small groups are struggling through the study of "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. I know it is a tough read. We have several freshmen whose heads are spinning after reading a chapter. I want to encourage each of you to keep going! Press on. Read slow, think hard, and the reward will be great! This is one of the most phenomenal books I have ever read and it shaped my Christianity.

I also want to let you know I am not going to leave you with no help. My aim is to help you grow in Christ. My aim is not to frustrate you and cause you to give up. So, to help process some of this tough info, I will blog through the chapters of DWYL and try to simplify and apply it to us. Even if you are not in a small group, I challenge you to get a copy and follow along!

This should be a journey!

Oh! One more thing: I will start at Chapter 4 because that is where two of our groups are currently at. My hope will be to do chapters 1, 2, and 3 as well in the near future.

Acts 24- Keep My Conscience Clear

"I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." (Acts 24:14-16)

Here Paul goes again with the 'clear conscience' speech. And, I am tempted again to camp out on this idea: How does a person live with a clear conscience? How can we as sinful people live in the freedom of the gospel? Most of us have rough patches and we feel guilt, shame, and worthlessness. We have a desire to please God but we stumble in so many ways that it is embarrassing. God must be disappointed with me because I am a failure. I sin, I get angry, I lose my temper, I get jealous, I envy, I'm full of pride, full of bitterness, I participate with the wicked, I doubt God sometimes, I feel depressed, I etc... (this list is not meant to be comprehensive, that could take a whole book).

So, is Paul such a saint that he doesn't struggle? Did he attain some level of maturity that is above secret inner sins? I love how John Piper spoke openly about the bizarre 'clear conscience' of Paul during a question and answer time at a conference:

"I don’t know how I could say what Paul said: “I have served to this day with a clear conscience” (2 Tim. 1:3). What planet does this guy live on? Is he in touch? I mean, there are women in the world. Ever had a thought? Good night! I think he must mean something like, “I keep real short accounts.” I mean, a totally clear conscience, Paul? Give me a break. Am I being blasphemous here toward the Word of God?"

The pressing issue here is, how do we 'strive always to keep our conscience clear before God and man?' (vs. 16). Let's examine at least a couple ways. First, we need to strive to live in obedience to God. That means that we submit and obey the clear teachings of scripture. Paul puts it this way; "I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets" (vs. 14b). It can be assumed that belief led to action. He believed the Law and what is written in the Prophets, therefore, he lived in line with both. What areas of your life are in dire need of submission to the Scriptures. God is not ambiguous. Many times throughout the Scriptures He clearly reveals His will for His followers. Are there any areas that you are coming up short of the precepts of God? Deficiencies call us to do the hard work. We are to strive! We need to, by the Spirit, make some changes. This starts with prayer and a plan. How are you going to specifically overcome a particular area of struggle? Saying, 'I need to work on this,' is not enough. You need some specific action steps. Second, we need to, in the words of Piper, 'keep short accounts.' How quick are you to run to the cross? When you sin, which will happen today so you can practice, most people have the wrong reaction. Most people want to prove their obedience to God. We want to have a good day or a good week before we even pray again. We strive to clear our own conscience's. Time heals, or so we think. So, enough time spent without blatant sin, earns us some points with God. Then, we can come to Him with a clear conscience. The only problem with this strategy is that it is totally void of the Gospel! "Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort" (Galatians 3:3)? In other words, you are saved by belief in Jesus and you continue in the Christian walk by faith in Jesus. It's not like you have to prove to God that He didn't make a mistake in saving you... He knows your flaws and is eager to progress you in your maturity and to transform you into the likeness of Christ. You NEED Him. So stop trying to flex your life to show how godly you are. Rest in the grace that Christ gives you.

Some may say at this point, "Woah Cory! Sounds like you are giving licence to sin." Nope. The reality is we need a Savior everyday of our lives. And, we need him especially when we do sin. Then, when we feel the weight of His infinite patience and loving-kindness towards us, we are motivated to live the way He desires. We are compelled by grace! We become transformed by grace. Our lives begin to conform to the righteousness that He desires. We still struggle, but we struggle in the strength that He provides.

Then we are able to say, "I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man." I quickly flee to the cross when I stumble and find grace in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16). And, as a result my life is being transformed in such a way that men see my good deeds and give glory to God (Matthew 5:16). Therefore, my conscience is clear.

Wow, what a beautiful truth.