Eschatology is the study of end times... It basically says that Jesus is coming back and there are so many passages in the Bible that attempt to prepare us for that day... I personally cannot wait. I cannot wait to be done with sin. I cannot wait to have Him wipe the tears from my eyes. For Him to clothe me in glory and place a crown on my head. I can't wait to have the veil removed and to see Him in His splendor and majesty. I love Him and I am homesick. I want Him. I want to be near Him. I want to revel in Him. I want to worship Him.
Jesus, in Luke 19, tells a parable about 3 different workers and their Master. In verse 11 Luke indicates that the reason Jesus told this parable is because Jesus was nearing Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. This parable speaks to me in a couple ways today. The Kingdom of God does not simply appear at once... It is either gradual or far off but not at once. I think I interpret this that God is slowly building His Kingdom of followers and then he shows up like a thief in the night and establishes His Kingdom. It doesn't just appear. It is gradual. It is you and me telling others about the King. It is you and me actually living like Jesus did and little by little the Kingdom will forcefully advance as forceful men lay hold (Matthew 11:12). But, this has implications. We are responsible for the work. God gives us talents, abilities, experiences, money, and Minas that He wants us to use to further His Kingdom. He left. He entrusted us with the business of telling others in preparation for that Great Day. He will return and take account of how we worked. Woe to the man who hid his talents. He will be stripped. Woe to the people who didn't want Jesus to be King!
Understand also that this is not a faith by works... Your work doesn't earn you status as a Christ follower. The three in the parable were already employed. This is saying that after you have been called you should steward your gifts well. You should be working for the King because you love Him and adore Him and are indebted to Him for what He did on the cross. Not to earn anything from Him.
How are you putting to work the things God has entrusted you with? Did you hide them? Or, are you increasing the Kingdom by using them for His Glory? Know this... He is coming. I don't want to be found idle. He is the best King to serve and His benefits are unmeasurable! Let's not be lazy or timid with the responsibility Jesus has entrusted to us.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Luke 18 -Always Pray and Never Give Up
I'm going to be honest... I have been a professing christian almost my whole life... I have been a regenerate (God took my dead heart and jump started it bringing it to life) Christian for 8 years. So, I have put some miles on my knees. I have prayed and prayed often. Here is what I am being honest about; lately I have had a hard time with prayer. In fact, over the past couple weeks I was honest with God saying, "I am sick of praying. I am sick of talking to an invisible person, and right now I feel like I don't even do a good job of 'praying,' whatever that word even means." Prayer is tricky. It is a weird thing. You are talking to an invisible and Almighty God. There are petitions, intercessions, supplications, thanksgivings, brief chats, lengthy discourses, silent prayer, praying aloud, group prayer, prayer meeting prayers, praying in tongues, prayer language, praying scriptures, praying the names of God, written out prayers, pray for fun, pray for answers, etc... needless to say, if you are honest at some point you have to say that we don't have it figured out. And, the last thing I need is another book on praying. Lately, I've just been saying to God, 'I can't wait to see you face to face. I can't wait to talk to you. To hear your voice. I am sick of this waiting period. I can't wait to be with you."
But, for the time God has given us prayer. And Jesus tells us to 'always pray not give up (vs. 1).' So, be persistent. God answers those that cry out to him. He hears your prayers. That is weird to even think about. Almighty God hears me. And Jesus tells a parable of a persistent widow constantly approaching a judge to ask for justice to show his disciples to always pray and never give up. Then immediately tells a parable of two different men and there prayers to show that humility is a good thing when praying. So, I will continue to approach the throne with trembling. I will continue to come to God humbly with my head down saying, 'God have mercy on me a sinner.' I don't totally understand praying but lately I've been convicted that I am the pharisee in verse 10 or the hypocrite in Matthew 6. Unfortunately, working at a church makes you pray all the time... and in front of people... and for people. I have fallen pray to letting my prayers get lengthy, quoting scriptures in prayer, preaching in prayers, and not coming to God with my head down unable to look up towards heaven like the tax collector in the parable. Only one man goes home justified. The man who was humble. I have arrogantly stormed into the King's Courtyard and talked like a fool running my mouth. Thanks be to God for correcting my prayers. I looked into the mirror of the Word and saw the dirt of iniquity on my face. I saw the errors of my speech. And He graciously forgave me.
What do your prayers look like. Are you persistent? Will the Son of Man find faith when he comes (vs. 8)?
Or, are you a little too bold? Do you enter the throne room and ramble. Pray today that God would fix your prayers. That he would give you a healthy view of this sacred tradition and someday we will stand with and talk face to face with our King of Kings!?!
But, for the time God has given us prayer. And Jesus tells us to 'always pray not give up (vs. 1).' So, be persistent. God answers those that cry out to him. He hears your prayers. That is weird to even think about. Almighty God hears me. And Jesus tells a parable of a persistent widow constantly approaching a judge to ask for justice to show his disciples to always pray and never give up. Then immediately tells a parable of two different men and there prayers to show that humility is a good thing when praying. So, I will continue to approach the throne with trembling. I will continue to come to God humbly with my head down saying, 'God have mercy on me a sinner.' I don't totally understand praying but lately I've been convicted that I am the pharisee in verse 10 or the hypocrite in Matthew 6. Unfortunately, working at a church makes you pray all the time... and in front of people... and for people. I have fallen pray to letting my prayers get lengthy, quoting scriptures in prayer, preaching in prayers, and not coming to God with my head down unable to look up towards heaven like the tax collector in the parable. Only one man goes home justified. The man who was humble. I have arrogantly stormed into the King's Courtyard and talked like a fool running my mouth. Thanks be to God for correcting my prayers. I looked into the mirror of the Word and saw the dirt of iniquity on my face. I saw the errors of my speech. And He graciously forgave me.
What do your prayers look like. Are you persistent? Will the Son of Man find faith when he comes (vs. 8)?
Or, are you a little too bold? Do you enter the throne room and ramble. Pray today that God would fix your prayers. That he would give you a healthy view of this sacred tradition and someday we will stand with and talk face to face with our King of Kings!?!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
What Do You Do?
This is a random question I got recently. I am not sure the motivation but I am certain that I probably didn't answer it very clearly. So, let me take a couple minutes to inform you of my week. I am not trying to say that this is what every week actually looks like, but I think it is pretty consistent. Also, the motivation behind this is transparency. I am asking you to 'imitate me,' like the apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth. The only way that you can follow me is to know what I do.
I would imagine this question is two fold 1)What do you do at church? and 2) What do you do with your free time? So, I will answer it that way. First, what I do at church. I feel that I have been called to 'the ministry of the word.' That as a youth pastor called to Beloit Wisconsin my primary goal is raising students up in knowledge and revelation of the Word. So, a ton of my efforts go towards that. I study a lot, pray a lot, read a lot, write a lot, plan a lot, and preach a lot. Those are the things that I would say consume the majority of my time. But, there are other things that happen while working at a church... phone calls and emails are always coming in, we have a lot of meetings to make sure that we are all on the same page and that we are leading our community towards Christ, and we pray together regularly. I also get visits from students. I want to be someone that can be approached. My personal belief is that pastors are more valuable than specialists in any area of struggle. Students should come to their pastor before going to a psychiatrist, or an accountant, or a counselor, or a career planner, or a dietitian, or a doctor, or anyone else that students frequent for answers to life. I am not the wisest man alive but I have the teacher's manual. So, I can go to the source. I am attempting to understand the Word and I believe that it is the one book alone that can guide all aspects of your life.
Also, random things happen throughout the week like running to the store to get food for events or for our snack shack. We also write for the newsletter and I write for our blog. I am sure there are many more things that happen but those would be the main elements and my primary responsibility is 'prayer and the ministry of the word' (Acts 6:4). To me that means that studying and understanding the word, Karuso (Greek: preach, announce, herald the good news), counseling with the word, praying for our students, and praying for this ministry and our community. Furthermore, I believe that ministry of the Word means preparation of sermons, writing blogs and articles, and being very near to God. If I am leading that means I need to be in front. As close to God as I can get.
Free time? So, what do I do after work? I try to unwind with hobbies. I go to the skate park a lot. The weight of ministry is heavy and church leaders are referred to as oxen in scriptures. So, we need to carry a heavy load and the burden is on us. It is good for me after a long day of study to just unplug and roll around on my skateboard and hang with other students. I enjoy it a ton.
I also spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend. She is incredible. She is a nurse in Chicago that loves God, and kids, and missions, and ministry, and me. So, I head into Chicago and spend a ton of time with her. I actually float my free days to try to spend as much time with her as I can. When I am not in Chicago with her she comes home to Rockford where her family is. I believe that relationships are a gift from God and I cherish the one that I am in. Also, I am not casually dating. This is a girl that I have known for a long time and I am hoping to know her for a lot longer.
I also spend time with my family. They live in the area so I frequently make trips to their house and hang and talk with them. They are my biggest support and I love spending time with them. So I am often times out at the Tree Farm (they own a Christmas tree farm).
I also try to hang with friends. I grew up here and have kept in good contact with a lot of friends from high school. I try my best to hang out with them when I can. A couple of them live in Chicago and come home on weekends so I make efforts to spend time with them on Friday or Saturday nights.
Finally, I spend time at my apartment. I just recently started renting an apartment and I retreat there. I usually go home to my apartment and it smells like coffee (I love coffee and make a pot every morning). I kick back and relax. Most nights I read and I just got a nice sofa that I plan on breaking in.
I keep busy. There is seldom, and I mean almost never, a time that I wish I had something to do. I am usually hard pressed to spend time with people and there are definitely friendships that are suffering because of my busyness. But, I am striving to make the most of everyday. To spend time with God, to love people, to recreate, and to live life to the fullest. Pray that I do not miss any opportunity to show God's love to others. If I can do a good job of that then I will confidently say like the apostle Paul, 'imitate me.'
I would imagine this question is two fold 1)What do you do at church? and 2) What do you do with your free time? So, I will answer it that way. First, what I do at church. I feel that I have been called to 'the ministry of the word.' That as a youth pastor called to Beloit Wisconsin my primary goal is raising students up in knowledge and revelation of the Word. So, a ton of my efforts go towards that. I study a lot, pray a lot, read a lot, write a lot, plan a lot, and preach a lot. Those are the things that I would say consume the majority of my time. But, there are other things that happen while working at a church... phone calls and emails are always coming in, we have a lot of meetings to make sure that we are all on the same page and that we are leading our community towards Christ, and we pray together regularly. I also get visits from students. I want to be someone that can be approached. My personal belief is that pastors are more valuable than specialists in any area of struggle. Students should come to their pastor before going to a psychiatrist, or an accountant, or a counselor, or a career planner, or a dietitian, or a doctor, or anyone else that students frequent for answers to life. I am not the wisest man alive but I have the teacher's manual. So, I can go to the source. I am attempting to understand the Word and I believe that it is the one book alone that can guide all aspects of your life.
Also, random things happen throughout the week like running to the store to get food for events or for our snack shack. We also write for the newsletter and I write for our blog. I am sure there are many more things that happen but those would be the main elements and my primary responsibility is 'prayer and the ministry of the word' (Acts 6:4). To me that means that studying and understanding the word, Karuso (Greek: preach, announce, herald the good news), counseling with the word, praying for our students, and praying for this ministry and our community. Furthermore, I believe that ministry of the Word means preparation of sermons, writing blogs and articles, and being very near to God. If I am leading that means I need to be in front. As close to God as I can get.
Free time? So, what do I do after work? I try to unwind with hobbies. I go to the skate park a lot. The weight of ministry is heavy and church leaders are referred to as oxen in scriptures. So, we need to carry a heavy load and the burden is on us. It is good for me after a long day of study to just unplug and roll around on my skateboard and hang with other students. I enjoy it a ton.
I also spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend. She is incredible. She is a nurse in Chicago that loves God, and kids, and missions, and ministry, and me. So, I head into Chicago and spend a ton of time with her. I actually float my free days to try to spend as much time with her as I can. When I am not in Chicago with her she comes home to Rockford where her family is. I believe that relationships are a gift from God and I cherish the one that I am in. Also, I am not casually dating. This is a girl that I have known for a long time and I am hoping to know her for a lot longer.
I also spend time with my family. They live in the area so I frequently make trips to their house and hang and talk with them. They are my biggest support and I love spending time with them. So I am often times out at the Tree Farm (they own a Christmas tree farm).
I also try to hang with friends. I grew up here and have kept in good contact with a lot of friends from high school. I try my best to hang out with them when I can. A couple of them live in Chicago and come home on weekends so I make efforts to spend time with them on Friday or Saturday nights.
Finally, I spend time at my apartment. I just recently started renting an apartment and I retreat there. I usually go home to my apartment and it smells like coffee (I love coffee and make a pot every morning). I kick back and relax. Most nights I read and I just got a nice sofa that I plan on breaking in.
I keep busy. There is seldom, and I mean almost never, a time that I wish I had something to do. I am usually hard pressed to spend time with people and there are definitely friendships that are suffering because of my busyness. But, I am striving to make the most of everyday. To spend time with God, to love people, to recreate, and to live life to the fullest. Pray that I do not miss any opportunity to show God's love to others. If I can do a good job of that then I will confidently say like the apostle Paul, 'imitate me.'
Luke 17 -Rebuke and Forgive
These are two disciplines that churches are horrible at. I don't even think we are a little good at them, we simply do not practice either of them. They are actually two elements that I think make Christianity appealing, yet we fail to implement them to our own detriment. Let us look to the text:
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him (verses 3-4)."
Jesus is telling us that when a friend (he uses 'brother' but this means more than biological) sins we should do our best to correct that person. To rebuke means 'to speak severely to someone because they have done wrong.'1 It is interesting that it says, 'severely.' I think this shows the nature of correction. It actually takes harsh words sometimes to bring us back from our sinful ways. If someone simply gently points out a fault it is rather easy to justify or dismiss your behavior. But, if someone comes to you and rebukes you, meaning they speak in a tone and demeanor that shows that if you continue in your sinful ways you will die, then we might actually take it seriously and repent. We need to make a habit of rebuking each other to make us more Christlike. It is a lost discipline that I wish was practised on me more often. I can think back on several follies that could have easily been avoided had a discerning Christian friend pointed out my fault. And, I think the lack of rebuking comes down to courage. We are actually a bunch of chickens. We don't want to say the hard stuff for fear of how it will go. But let me remind you of the Lord's words to Ezekiel in Chapter 3 of the book of Ezekiel, "If you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood." That should me a motivational trump card. For every time Satan convinces you not to have a hard conversation for the preservation of a friendship, or for your desire of comfort, or for the fact that you are not in a position to rebuke others, let the words of the Lord ring in your ear. That persons blood will be on your hands. You will be guilty for keeping your mouth shut. So, let us make a practise of correcting one another.
The second element of this text is forgiveness. I think we are better at this than rebuking. But, I still think we have a long ways to go. Think this morning of anyone that you are harboring bitterness towards. Is there any un-forgiveness in your heart today. Because Jesus says that even if a person is harmful seven times in ONE day that you should forgive them when they repent. Be careful reading too much into this text. In fact I can feel the workings of the Enemy justifying right now, "yeah but it says if they repent... I don't have to forgive if they don't repent." That is a dangerous place to be my friend. If you are justifying bitterness this morning than please take it to the cross. I am not going to be an arbiter between you and your enemy this morning by telling you that you have to forgive or that it is ok to be upset if they will not repent. Simply take it to the cross. Wrestle with God today. Don't allow your reasoning to justify your actions. Sit quietly at the foot of the cross and let Him speak. Let the one that was willing to forgive his captors, mockers, and torturers by saying, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," speak to your situation.
When we learn these two practices well the church flourishes. Sin is dealt with and grace abounds. Then unbelievers will look to the church and say, 'that is a beautiful thing. Oh, how I would love to be a part of that!'
1Modern Language Association (MLA):
"rebuke." Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary. K Dictionaries Ltd. 05 Jun. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rebuke
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him (verses 3-4)."
Jesus is telling us that when a friend (he uses 'brother' but this means more than biological) sins we should do our best to correct that person. To rebuke means 'to speak severely to someone because they have done wrong.'1 It is interesting that it says, 'severely.' I think this shows the nature of correction. It actually takes harsh words sometimes to bring us back from our sinful ways. If someone simply gently points out a fault it is rather easy to justify or dismiss your behavior. But, if someone comes to you and rebukes you, meaning they speak in a tone and demeanor that shows that if you continue in your sinful ways you will die, then we might actually take it seriously and repent. We need to make a habit of rebuking each other to make us more Christlike. It is a lost discipline that I wish was practised on me more often. I can think back on several follies that could have easily been avoided had a discerning Christian friend pointed out my fault. And, I think the lack of rebuking comes down to courage. We are actually a bunch of chickens. We don't want to say the hard stuff for fear of how it will go. But let me remind you of the Lord's words to Ezekiel in Chapter 3 of the book of Ezekiel, "If you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood." That should me a motivational trump card. For every time Satan convinces you not to have a hard conversation for the preservation of a friendship, or for your desire of comfort, or for the fact that you are not in a position to rebuke others, let the words of the Lord ring in your ear. That persons blood will be on your hands. You will be guilty for keeping your mouth shut. So, let us make a practise of correcting one another.
The second element of this text is forgiveness. I think we are better at this than rebuking. But, I still think we have a long ways to go. Think this morning of anyone that you are harboring bitterness towards. Is there any un-forgiveness in your heart today. Because Jesus says that even if a person is harmful seven times in ONE day that you should forgive them when they repent. Be careful reading too much into this text. In fact I can feel the workings of the Enemy justifying right now, "yeah but it says if they repent... I don't have to forgive if they don't repent." That is a dangerous place to be my friend. If you are justifying bitterness this morning than please take it to the cross. I am not going to be an arbiter between you and your enemy this morning by telling you that you have to forgive or that it is ok to be upset if they will not repent. Simply take it to the cross. Wrestle with God today. Don't allow your reasoning to justify your actions. Sit quietly at the foot of the cross and let Him speak. Let the one that was willing to forgive his captors, mockers, and torturers by saying, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," speak to your situation.
When we learn these two practices well the church flourishes. Sin is dealt with and grace abounds. Then unbelievers will look to the church and say, 'that is a beautiful thing. Oh, how I would love to be a part of that!'
1Modern Language Association (MLA):
"rebuke." Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary. K Dictionaries Ltd. 05 Jun. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rebuke
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Luke 16- The Rich Man and Lazarus
Here is an interesting teaching from Jesus. He tells a story of a rich man who lived in luxury. At the rich man's gate was a beggar who longed to receive any kind of blessing he could from the excess of the rich man but received only crumbs at best from the rich man's table. Then Jesus says "the time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried in hell, where he saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side (verses 22-24)."
Let us learn a couple things from this parable. We live in luxury and so we more easily relate to the rich man. So please reader be warned, do not let your prosperous position so crowd your life that you are unaware of beggars at your gate. Whether that is spiritual or physical, be warned. Take compassion. It is better to give than receive."Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)." Be rich towards God. Give and give and give expecting nothing in return. Bless those around you and give lavishly. That is the first piece of advise I can give you from this text.
Secondly, don't always assume that if you are blessed here on earth that God is your best friend. He disciplines those that he loves and "has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor (James 2:5-6)." What I am saying is this; "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus(the beggar) received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony (verse 25)." Instead of putting our trust and hope in the provisions we have received on this earth we need to put our hope in the Provider. We should turn all of our blessings into praise to Him who gave them graciously and we should make a habit of giving so we don't fall into the temptation of loving our stuff. Don't get in the habit of trusting in your money. Give as much as you can and then give even more. Money is such a stumbling block for so many. Don't let it be your Master.
Third, hell is hot. I fear that hell is scoffed at these days and most unfortunately in churches. Let scripture warn you, hell is real. "Have pity on me! If I could just get a drop of water on my tongue because I am in agony in this fire... please warn my family so they will not come to this place of torment," said the rich man. Hell is real. I know that sucks. Unfortunately, we can't dismiss that hell is real, so we should live in the reality of the news.
Lastly, listen to scriptures... "They have Moses and the Prophets; Let them listen to them (verse 29)." We have been warned and instructed by all of scriptures and I think we need to carefully 'listen to them.' For the rich man's family, Abraham says, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead (verse 31)." Scripture is enough. And we are studying it together. But let us be careful to listen to what it says. How is scripture transforming you lately? Or do you simply read and then forget? Are you applying these truths to your life? Or walking away unchanged? If you are not moved by scripture than a dead man walking into your life wont even have an effect on you. Pray that God would make your heart soft and receptive to the warnings of scripture.
Let us learn a couple things from this parable. We live in luxury and so we more easily relate to the rich man. So please reader be warned, do not let your prosperous position so crowd your life that you are unaware of beggars at your gate. Whether that is spiritual or physical, be warned. Take compassion. It is better to give than receive."Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)." Be rich towards God. Give and give and give expecting nothing in return. Bless those around you and give lavishly. That is the first piece of advise I can give you from this text.
Secondly, don't always assume that if you are blessed here on earth that God is your best friend. He disciplines those that he loves and "has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor (James 2:5-6)." What I am saying is this; "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus(the beggar) received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony (verse 25)." Instead of putting our trust and hope in the provisions we have received on this earth we need to put our hope in the Provider. We should turn all of our blessings into praise to Him who gave them graciously and we should make a habit of giving so we don't fall into the temptation of loving our stuff. Don't get in the habit of trusting in your money. Give as much as you can and then give even more. Money is such a stumbling block for so many. Don't let it be your Master.
Third, hell is hot. I fear that hell is scoffed at these days and most unfortunately in churches. Let scripture warn you, hell is real. "Have pity on me! If I could just get a drop of water on my tongue because I am in agony in this fire... please warn my family so they will not come to this place of torment," said the rich man. Hell is real. I know that sucks. Unfortunately, we can't dismiss that hell is real, so we should live in the reality of the news.
Lastly, listen to scriptures... "They have Moses and the Prophets; Let them listen to them (verse 29)." We have been warned and instructed by all of scriptures and I think we need to carefully 'listen to them.' For the rich man's family, Abraham says, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead (verse 31)." Scripture is enough. And we are studying it together. But let us be careful to listen to what it says. How is scripture transforming you lately? Or do you simply read and then forget? Are you applying these truths to your life? Or walking away unchanged? If you are not moved by scripture than a dead man walking into your life wont even have an effect on you. Pray that God would make your heart soft and receptive to the warnings of scripture.
Make My Joy Complete
"It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." -3 John 1:3-4
"Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor." -Galatians 6:6
I want to know how God is at work in your lives. I want to hear stories of how God has taken you deeper or how he is growing you. I want to be aware of the good things happening in our community. It would make me so joyful to know that through central student ministries that God has taught or instructed you. It would make me joyful to hear of your triumphs in the faith whether large or small. So feel free to drop me a line today. Leave a comment on this blog so it can refresh others or you can even email or call me.
corywilliams@centralwired.com
608.362.7663 ext. 24
Make my joy complete by sharing in all good things.
"Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor." -Galatians 6:6
I want to know how God is at work in your lives. I want to hear stories of how God has taken you deeper or how he is growing you. I want to be aware of the good things happening in our community. It would make me so joyful to know that through central student ministries that God has taught or instructed you. It would make me joyful to hear of your triumphs in the faith whether large or small. So feel free to drop me a line today. Leave a comment on this blog so it can refresh others or you can even email or call me.
corywilliams@centralwired.com
608.362.7663 ext. 24
Make my joy complete by sharing in all good things.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Pastor's Library
I am a book worm lately... I never received a formal education for ministry so that puts me in a desperate position. One that needs to figure out, and quickly I might add, how to do ministry in a way that honors God. So, I read a lot. I am constantly trying to gleam wisdom from Pastors, ministers, and authors that have withstood the test of time. I have to emphasize time tested because in our culture the world teaches us to look to the newest novelty. This is a broken mindset that thinks that the newest books, ideas, concepts, and teachings are relevant and old stuff is just old stuff. Wrong! Our faith is ancient. We should be looking backwards instead of forwards. Anyways, here are the books that you can find me reading.
The One Year Bible
Every pastor should be working his way through the bible at least once a year is what the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones said (paraphrased). I believe this to be true. I think I am spiritually healthiest when I have one hand grasping an old testament story, the other clutching a letter to one of the churches in the new testament, while my heart is praising God through a psalm, being instructed by a proverb, all the while aware that all these elements lead me to the cross.
Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon
This is an incredible devotional that I read regularly. It helps me keep focused on the work that Christ achieved on the cross and is achieving in me today.
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
This is an anointed devotional. I am constantly staggered by how prophetic these words are. Year after year this little devotional speaks to my life and to the lives of my close friends and family in a way that makes this a must read.
Preaching and Preachers by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
This man has stood under the counsel of God for the majority of his life. He spoke with passion and conviction and now has imparted his wisdom to anyone seeking to understand the call to the ministry of 'preaching the Word'. It is practical and insightful and I praise God for this book.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
In a recent staff meeting we talked about the spiritual warfare at work in our ministry and lives. We want to be wise and aware of the schemes of Satan... So, I picked up this book once again to learn from the brilliant and insightful mind of Lewis.
Pilgrims Progress pt. 2 by John Bunyan
I began to read the account of Christiana's journey to the Celestial City and I am thoroughly impressed. If you want a book that is saturated in scripture and helpful to your own personal pilgrimage to heaven, then I suggest both works of Pilgrims Progress. These stories are bringing to life the doctrines found in the Bible. I am thankful that Bunyan penned these helpful stories.
Biblical Exegesis by John Piper(online resource available at www.hopeingod.org)
This resource is helping me to go deeper into the scriptures to obtain valuable pearls.
There are other books that I am going to read in the near future and ones that have been loaned to me that I need to get to. So, be patient with me. Pray that God will always keep me fresh and near to Him.
The One Year Bible
Every pastor should be working his way through the bible at least once a year is what the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones said (paraphrased). I believe this to be true. I think I am spiritually healthiest when I have one hand grasping an old testament story, the other clutching a letter to one of the churches in the new testament, while my heart is praising God through a psalm, being instructed by a proverb, all the while aware that all these elements lead me to the cross.
Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon
This is an incredible devotional that I read regularly. It helps me keep focused on the work that Christ achieved on the cross and is achieving in me today.
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
This is an anointed devotional. I am constantly staggered by how prophetic these words are. Year after year this little devotional speaks to my life and to the lives of my close friends and family in a way that makes this a must read.
Preaching and Preachers by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
This man has stood under the counsel of God for the majority of his life. He spoke with passion and conviction and now has imparted his wisdom to anyone seeking to understand the call to the ministry of 'preaching the Word'. It is practical and insightful and I praise God for this book.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
In a recent staff meeting we talked about the spiritual warfare at work in our ministry and lives. We want to be wise and aware of the schemes of Satan... So, I picked up this book once again to learn from the brilliant and insightful mind of Lewis.
Pilgrims Progress pt. 2 by John Bunyan
I began to read the account of Christiana's journey to the Celestial City and I am thoroughly impressed. If you want a book that is saturated in scripture and helpful to your own personal pilgrimage to heaven, then I suggest both works of Pilgrims Progress. These stories are bringing to life the doctrines found in the Bible. I am thankful that Bunyan penned these helpful stories.
Biblical Exegesis by John Piper(online resource available at www.hopeingod.org)
This resource is helping me to go deeper into the scriptures to obtain valuable pearls.
There are other books that I am going to read in the near future and ones that have been loaned to me that I need to get to. So, be patient with me. Pray that God will always keep me fresh and near to Him.
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