Jesus is not GI Joe

As the new year approaches, I believe that there is one great thing that we should pray for as Christians: a greater vision of Jesus and his global mission.

We will never arise beyond our view of God and his purposes. Tozer was surely right when he said that "whatever comes into your mind when you think about God, is the most important thing about us."

While some have a working knowledge of Christ, many remain unaffected by his glory; unamazed by his grace; unsure of his all-suffiency, unmoved by his mission. We must fight against these self-sufficient, egotistical thoughts and pursue Christ with ever-increasing passion. We must breathe the Gospel first into our own soul, and then out to a world that needs to see it and hear it.

The Jesus Action Figure is just one of many examples of low views of Christ. Jesus is not a GI Joe Figure. He is Lord and God. May we see Him in 2009, and may the lure of stuff, money, the praise of men, and sin and folly fade away.

How Should We Live at Christmas?

If you are like me, you struggle with the consumerism (spending thousands on toys) and the political-correctness of Christmas (that is, say "happy holidays, instead of Merry Christmas"). How should a Christ-follower live at Christmas? Pastor Greg offered a challenging blog called "Do Something Radical at Christmas." I like it a lot...

I think this year I have wrestled more with Christmas than I ever have. Lots of questions about Santa, presents, money, shopping, decorations, etc., have danced around in my mind. The best way to sum these questions up would be like this, "What is different about how Christians celebrate Christmas from how the rest of America does?" Is there any difference?
Does putting up nativity scenes make us different, that is, as long as Santa is bowing down to baby Jesus? Does writing CHRISTmas on cards make us any different? Does giving three gifts to our kids (like the Magi gave to Jesus) make us different? Does the constant use of the slogan: Keep Christ in Christmas, do it for us? To be honest I dont know. We can easily slide into legalism and self-righteousness when discussing this topic.
But I would challenge you with one thing. Do something radical for Christmas! Do something you have never done for Christmas either with family or alone. Do something that stretches you. Do something that reveals that Christ, not BlueRay Disc players or leather recliners, is your treasure. Here are a few ideas, not rules to be sure, but ideas:
-Fast on Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas
-Buy lunch for the person behind you in line, see where the conversation goes
-Use your Christmas bonus (if you get one) on missions
-Scratch off an item on your shopping list and give the money away
-Read the book of Matthew on Christmas Eve
-Walk through a graveyard this week, contemplate your death, rejoice that Christ came to save sinners
-Contact an enemy (someone who has hurt you, betrayed you, etc.) and express your concern and love for them
Perhaps you have more ideas, feel free to post a comment. But pray about doing something that will detach your heart from everything but Christ. I grant these things may benefit us more than others, but maybe that needs to happen.
GB

Rick Warren, Obama, and Media Drama

As most of you know, Rick Warren was chosen by Obama to deliver the invocation at the inaugural ceremonies on January 20. What's the big deal about a well-known pastor praying at an event? Would this offend someone? Uh, yes.

Al Mohler's article was very interesting on the matter. It's entitled, "The High Cost of Being (and Staying) Cool -- Rick Warren in a Whirlwind." I encourage you to read it: http://www.albertmohler.com/

Introduction to The Gospel Coalition

If you are looking for a conference to attend for spiritual nourishment and personal renewal, I know of no better conference for pastors and leaders than this one. From this video, you can see some of my spiritual heroes, who continue to feed my soul. What better thing to emphasize in a conference than the centrality of the Gospel. It is April 21-23in Chicago. You can view more about it here: http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2009

MacArthur on TBN Part 2

Believe it or not, John MacArthur was on TBN. He preached the Gospel as usual. I remember Mac saying at a conference that "Hard truth makes soft people." May we learn how to preach Jesus' truth in love.

MacArthur on TBN

Orphans of Ukraine

I know the weather is cold this time of year, but I would love to be in an orphanage in Ukraine today.

How to Handle Criticism in Ministry: 2. Have A Blind Eye & A Deaf Ear

In Spurgeon’s 22nd chapter of Lectures to My Students, entitled “The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear,” Spurgeon advises his students on how to handle criticism. This chapter has really ministered to me through the years.

On the one hand, there are some folks who try to divide God’s people and attack his servants. In Nehemiah 4, there are two guys who were doing just that: Sanballet and Tobiah (v. 1, 3). Nehemiah, however, did not fall prey to their carnivorous appetites. Instead, he took up a weapon to protect, and he went to God in prayer for help (v. 8). Like mentioned yesterday, when these types of critics come against you, you must run to the Scriptures and meet with God, and commit to protect God’s people from such wolves.

One Blind Eye, One Deaf Ear

Spurgeon suggested that the minister distinguish between the “Sanballet’s” and those who are trustworthy advisors. Regarding the former, two of Spurgeon’s axioms are timeless:

1. "Be deaf and blind to the longstanding differences which may survive in the church. As soon as you enter upon your pastorate you may be waited upon by persons who are anxious to secure your adhesion to their side in family quarrel or church dispute; be deaf and blind to these people, assure them that bygones must be bygones with you, and that as you have not inherited your predecessor’s cupboard you do not intend to eat his cold meat. If any flagrant injustice has been done, be diligent to set it right, but if it be a mere feud, bid the quarrelsome party to cease from it, and tell him once for all that you will have nothing to do with it…. Know nothing of parties and cliques, but be the pastor of all the flock, and care for all alike. Blessed are the peacemakers, and one sure way of peacemaking is to let the fire of contention alone. Neither fan it, nor stir it, nor add fuel to it, but let it go out itself.”

2. "The blind eye and the deaf ear will come in exceedingly well in connections with the gossips in the places…. There are also certain persons who are never so happy as when they are “grieved to the heart” to have to tell the minister that Mr. A. is a snake in the grass, that he is quite mistaken in thinking so well of Messrs. B. and C., and that they have heard quite “promiscuously” that Mr. D. and his wife are badly matched. Then follows a long string about Mrs. E., who says that she and Mrs. F. overheard Mrs. G. say to Mrs. H. that Mrs. J. should say that Mr. K. and Miss. L. were going to move from the chapel and hear Mr. M., and all because of what Mr. N. said to young O. about that Miss. P. Never listen to such people."

One Open Eye, One Open Ear

While we do not listen to everyone’s criticism, we must remember that every leader needs some gifted and godly people in his life for the purpose of accountability, support, wisdom and prayer. It may take you a while in a new church to discover such people, but remember that you need them. Do not be so arrogant as to think that you do not need the counsel and critique of others. Have and open eye and an open ear to these friends. Heed the words in Proverbs:

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. (9:9)

Where there is no guidance, a people falls,but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (11:14)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,but a wise man listens to advice. (12:15)

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (13:20)

Without counsel plans fail,but with many advisers they succeed. (15:22)

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (18:15)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;profuse are the kisses of an enemy. (Prov. 27:6)

How to Handle Criticism in Ministry: 1. Meditate on the Scriptures

From my experience in the pastorate, nothing seems to be more painful than personnel matters and personal criticism. Every leader faces it, and must have a plan to deal with it. I would like to suggest some biblical principles for dealing with criticism in a manner that glorifies God. My first principle is that when criticism comes, run to the Scriptures. When you receive the “anonymous letter” that wounds you, remember that God’s Word is like medicine. It heals us. It comforts us. It settles us. I get this idea mainly from Psalm 119. I have been trying to memorize this Psalm for about 9 months or so now. I hope to knock it out before January is over. I love this Psalm because it is about a young leader (v. 9; 99-100) who is dealing with affliction of various sorts. His method is one of prayerful meditation on the Word. Further, his desire is not just the Scriptures, but the author of Scripture, for he mentions the author in virtually every verse. In other words, we run to the Scriptures because the Scriptures get us to God. He is our refuge. Here are a few of the Psalms that demonstrate the need for us to run to the Word, when others are running you down:

23 Even though princes sit plotting against me,your servant will meditate on your statutes.24 Your testimonies are my delight;they are my counselors.

42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,for I trust in your word.43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,for my hope is in your rules.

46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kingsand shall not be put to shame,47 for I find my delight in your commandments,which I love.

51 The insolent utterly deride me,but I do not turn away from your law.

61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,I do not forget your law.

69 The insolent smear me with lies,but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,but I delight in your law.71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,that I might learn your statutes.72 The law of your mouth is better to methan thousands of gold and silver pieces.

78 Let the insolent be put to shame,because they have wronged me with falsehood;as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.

92 If your law had not been my delight,I would have perished in my affliction.
95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,but I consider your testimonies.

97 Oh how I love your law!It is my meditation all the day.98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,for it is ever with me.

161 Princes persecute me without cause,but my heart stands in awe of your words.

2008 book list - Thanks to Dockery

Tim Ellsworth led me to David Dockery's suggested reading list for the new year. This list is different than mine, in that these are mainly new books, and personally, books I myself want to get and read. Dockery is a prolific thinker, writer, and denominational leader, serving as President at Union University, which is where I met my wife. We have been in his home twice for dinner and he is honestly one of the most humble leaders that I've ever met. I thank God for his leadership. Here's the post:

Union University President David S. Dockery compiles a list of books for his recommended reading list each year. Yesterday he sent out this list of books for 2008, along with this introductory note:

Of the making of books there is no end . . . (Eccl. 12:12). Trying to keep up with the books that are made seems to get more challenging each and every year. Some of you have asked if I had plans to publish the recommended books list for 2008. I know that it is time to shop for good books for good friends and family members, and perhaps to pick up a book or two for yourself. I have tried to keep the list to books published in 2008, though a few 2007s found their way onto the list.

Here’s Dr. Dockery’s list for the year:

Baggett, David, Gary Habermas, and Jerry Walls. C. S. Lewis as Philosopher: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. IVP, 2008.

Beale, Greg K. We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry. IVP, 2008.

Beale, G. K. and D. A. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker, 2007.

Berding, Kenneth and Matt Williams, Editors. What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About. Kregel, 2008.

Carson, Donald A. Christ and Culture Revisited. Eerdmans, 2008.

Colson, Charles with Harold Fickett. The Faith. Zondervan, 2008.

Coppan, Paul. When God Goes to Starbucks. Baker, 2008.

Crouch, Andy. Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. IVP, 2008.

D’Souza, Dinesh. What’s So Great About Christianity? Tyndale, 2008.

Dyrness, William A. and Veli-Matti Karkkaianen, editors. Global Dictionary of Theology. IVP, 2008.

Elshtain, Jean Bethke. Sovereignty: God, State, and Self. Basic, 2008.

ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.

Flew, Anthony. There is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed HisMind.
Harper One, 2008.

Forster, Greg. The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics. IVP, 2008.

Garrett, James Leo. Baptist Theology: A Four Century Study. Mercer, 2008/09.

George, Robert P. and Christopher Tollefsen. Embryo: A Defense of Human Life. Doubleday, 2008.

Harris, Alex. Do Hard Things. Multnomah, 2008.

Haykin, Michael A. G. and Kenneth J. Stewart, editors. The Advent of Evangelicalism: Exploring Historical Continuity. B&H, 2008.

Horton, Michael. Christless Christianity. Baker, 2008.

Jacobs, Alan. Original Sin: A Cultural History. HarperCollins, 2008.

Jenkins, Philip. The Lost History of Christianity: The Thousand-Year Golden Age of the Church in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia—and How It Died. HarperCollins, 2008.

Kaiser, Walter. The Promise-Plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. Zondervan, 2008.

Keller, Tim. The Prodigal God. Dutton, 2008.

Lindsley, Art. Love, The Ultimate Apologetic. IVP, 2008.

McGrath, Alister. Doubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith. IVP, 2008.

Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. Atheism Remix. Crossway, 2008.

Morgan, Christopher W. and Robert A. Peterson, editors. Suffering and the Goodness of God. Crossway, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen J. Getting the Blues: What Blues Music Teaches us About Suffering and Salvation. Brazos, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen J. Jesus Made in America: A Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of Christ. IVP, 2008.

Pink, Daniel H. A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. Berkley Publishing, 2006.

Poe, Harry L. Edgar Allan Poe. Metro Books, 2008.

Redmond, Eric. Where Are All the Brothers? Crossway, 2008.

Schreiner, Thomas. New Testament Theology. Baker, 2008.

Schultz, Quentin J. and Robert H. Woods. Understanding Evangelical Media: The Changing Face of Christian Communication. InterVarsity, 2008.

Smith, Christian. Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money. Oxford, 2008.

Taylor, Charles. A Secular Age. Belknap, 2007.

Toobin, Jeffrey. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court. Anchor, 2008.

Wells, David. The Courage to Be Protestant. Eerdmans, 2008.

Whitlock, David W. and Gordon Dutile, editors. A Noble Calling: Devotions and Essays for Business Professionals. Wipf & Stock, 2008

Wittmer, Michael. Don’t Stop Believing: Why Living Like Jesus is Not Enough. Zondervan, 2008.

Uganda

There are over 2.3 million orphans in Uganda. This country is one of the poorest countries in the world, though it has experienced some progress in regards to Aids prevention, and other social matters. A major problem presently is the number of child soldiers forced into war. This video is of an orphanage in Uganda. Anyone ready to get on a plane?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnLS1xwrqmY

Rick Warren has spoken out for the need to care for the orphans across Africa and around the world. You can hear his message here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zQYA6OgyuM&feature=related

Preaching Jesus and Rapping for Jesus

My friend, Pastor Greg (whose blog can be read at http://www.yearnforgod.org/) suggested that I post my class syllabi here at the site. I know that sounds as exciting to some of you as watching curling, but for those who are interested, here is my basic preaching course, Proclaiming the Bible.

In addition, I am posting an article that I wrote for an on-line journal several months ago, about the need to not just preach Scripture, but also to preach the "melodic line" of Scripture: Christ.

You can get them both by clicking on the following:


Syallabi%205300.02.doc

article%20on%20Christ-centered%20preaching.pdf

And since Friday is for fun, if you have not seen the Temple Baptist rap video, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uoYpMEEYTQ

If you did not hear, we entered a contest with Operation Christmas Child... and won! I don't think that means I will be driving an escalade with spinners, and be put on MTV Cribs, but it does excite me. Most of all, our church sent over 1500 shoeboxes full of gifts to children. Our media dude, Dan, won a camcorder. I won the personal joy of fulfilling my two dreams: being a pastor and a rap star.

Piper Interview

Speaking of good (free) online material, every Christian in general would benefit from Driscoll's video interview with Pastor John Piper. Pastors and leaders will benefit in particular. Piper talks about life, struggles in marriage, the sale of his books, and the adoption of his African-american daughter, Talitha. They adopted her when he was 50 years old!

You can see it here: http://www.theresurgence.com/

Bring the Books

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13

Recently we finished studying 1-2 Timothy on Sunday nights. We journeyed with the dying Apostle as he penned his final words to his protégé, Timothy. As Paul wrote from prison (a hole in the ground), he expressed one big request: his Bible (the parchments) and his books. I think every Christian should share this passion of Paul’s because one primary way God grows us as believers is through disciplined study. It is important, then, that every Christian have a library, though it doesn’t have to look like the library of congress. I have suggested six categories of study tools below, borrowing from Mark Driscoll’s categories. (http://theresurgence.com/node/1120)
These tools really help me and hope they serve you well. Perhaps you could build someone else’s library this Christmas.

1. Have a good Bible.

Every Christian needs a quality Bible. A translation such as the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New International Version (NIV) is preferable as your primary reading Bible, although there are many other translations that are also quite good (e.g., New King James Version, New American Standard Version). The new ESV Study Bible is exceptional.

2. Have some good Christian books.

The following books are for those who want to sit down and seriously study in an attitude of prayer and careful meditation. I recommend that you read slowly. Don’t worry about reading a lot of books. Read good books thoroughly. Here is a quick list of some of my favorites. Some are tough treading. Some are more reference oriented. But all of them have been helpful to me.

Theology/Doctrine

• Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (for a smaller version, see Christian Beliefs or Bible Doctrine)


• Danny Akin, ed., Theology for the Church


• J.I. Packer, Knowing God


• John Stott, The Cross of Christ


• Mark Driscoll, Death by Love: Letters from the Cross


• Carine Mackenzie, My 1st Book Of Questions and Answers (for kids)

Spiritual Disciplines/Growth

• R. Kent Hughes, Disciplines of a Godly Man or Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes


• Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life


• John Piper, (1) Battling Unbelief; (2) When I Don’t Desire God; (3) What Jesus Demands of the World; (4) A Hunger for God; and (5) Desiring God


• Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness


• John Owen, On the Mortification of Sin


• R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God


• C.J. Mahaney, (1) Humility; and (2) Worldliness


• A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy


• Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church

Devotion/ Bible Study

• D.A. Carson, For the Love of God (Commentary on our Daily Bible Reading Plan in the kiosk)


• Auhur Bennett, The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions


• D.A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation


• NIV Application Commentary Series


• Warren Wiersbe Commentary Series


• Vaughan Roberts, God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Story-Line of the Bible


• New Bible Commentary

Evangelism/Preaching & Missions

• Mark Dever, The Gospel and Personal Evangelism


• Charles Spurgeon, The Soul-winner


• Will Metzger, Tell the Truth


• Tim Keller, The Reason for God


• Alvin Reid, Introduction to Evangelism


• Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches


• Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk, Operation World


• John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad!


• John Mark Terry, et al., Missiology


• Brian Chapell, Christ-Centered Preaching


• Tony Merida, Faithful Preaching (release: Sept. 2009)

Parenting/Counseling/Marriage

• Tedd Tripp, Shepherding a Child’s Heart


• Paul David Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands


• R.C. Sproul, Intimate Marriage


• C.J. Mahaney, Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God

Culture/Ethics/Environment

• John Stott, Issues Facing Christians Today


• J. Matthew Sleeth, Serve God, Save the Planet

Biography

• Stephen Nichols, Martin Luther


• George Marsden, A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards


• Arnold Dallimore, Charles Spurgeon


• Ian Murray, D. Martin Lloyd-Jones


• Arnold Dallimore, George Whitefield
  

3. Have some good Bible software.

• If you can afford it, Logos Bible Software is a tremendous resource for in-depth study.


• The Bible Expositors Commentary (on CD) is very good and affordable. It offers commentary on the whole Bible from reputable scholars. I use this resource very often when I travel.


• The NIV Application Commentary (on CD) is also affordable and helpful, particular for contemporary relevance.

4. Have some good (free) online study resources.

There are many free sites that will help you study. Some examples are the following:

• ReGreek specializes in word studies from the Bible 's original languages.


• Crosswalk has many Bible study tools and helpful resources.


• Bible Gateway provides several translations and Bible study tools.


• CCEL has most of the major works from Christian history for free!


• E Sword has numerous Bible study tools.


• Precept Austin, at http://www.preceptaustin.org/, offers a lot of commentary on the Scriptures from various writers.

5. Have some good (free) websites with sermons and lectures.

There are many great resources available for free on the web, through articles, books, blogs, podcasts, vodcasts, and MP3s. Here are some recommendations:

• Desiring God is the website featuring a storehouse of sermons and articles from Dr. John Piper. http://www.desiringgod.org/


• Covenant Seminary has free lectures from seminary professors. This is a tremendous gift. www.worldwide-classroom.com/ or http://www.covenantseminary.edu/. You can also get to it through Itunes.


• Mars Hill Church is where hundreds of hours of my teaching is available for free and has been the number one podcast on iTunes for religion and spirituality. Mark Driscoll recently finished a series on Song of Solomon that was encouraging and insightful. I recently benefited from a biblical parenting conference that is available from a guest speaker, Tedd Tripp, as well. http://www.marshillchurch.org/


• www.christianitytoday.com/history has some great articles on Christian history and biography.


• www.9marks.org is a great site for interviews, articles and sermons from a tremendous Southern Baptist pastor, Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.


• http://www.biblicaltraining.org/ is like an on-line seminary for free! It features some renowned professors.
  

6. Have some good community.

Most of the Scripture was written to communities of people and is best studied in community with other Christians. I pray that our folks at Temple would find a small group of folks to study the Scriptures and spur one another on to love and good deeds. Many of you are already doing this. Keep up the good work.

Happy reading!

Pastor Tony

Sermon Notes

Joshua Harris, a dynamic young Bible preacher, recently posted his sermon notes. This will be particularly interesting to those of you who preach. http://www.joshharris.com/

Harris recently published Tim Keller's notes, which are fascinating: http://www.covlifemedia.org/joshharris/keller_ms.pdf

Harris preaches in Maryland and is part of the Sovereign Grace denomination; Keller is part of the PCA denomination. Both are extrodinary teachers. Keller wrote a book that is a must read called The Reason for God.

While I don't have copies of my early drafts, here is a copy of last week's notes: Rich%20Young%20Ruler%20Notes.doc

I also do not have a cartoon available, but I do share the same style of haircut for Harris and Keller!

The Coming King

Several weeks ago, we started a 48 week study on the life of Christ. In an early sermon, I did something out of the ordinary. Instead of diving deep into one text, I chose to show how Christ is the fulfillment of many Old Testament texts. I had to move rapdily due to the number of texts. While we did not look at every single OT passage and corresponding NT text regarding the coming King, we did look at several.

These texts should give us: (1) great confidence in the Scriptures; (2) a deeper sense of awe over the wisdom and sovereignty of God; (3) great support for the faith; (4) great hope in the King who came once and is certainly coming again. I have listed my listening guide, for your own study. It is particular appropriate around Christmas.


Christ%2C%20His%20Fulfillment%20listeningguide.doc

Re-Entering the Blog World

Hey Gang,

I hope to start entering some helpful tidbits in the upcoming days. I'm thinking of using the blog for rec. reading, aritcles, and sermons. I will also be posting follow up stuff from Sunday's sermons. That includes questions to sermons, and things that I wish I would have said, wouldn't have said, or meant to have said.

I will also be posting pictures during the Israel trip, which is Dec. 31-Jan. 11th.

Grace and Peace