Today, October 31 is the calendar day dedicated to Halloween. I find it interesting to observe Christians and their response to this "holiday". Some take a position of avoiding the day and refuse to participate at any level. Some opt for alternate events such as a fall-fest or similar event. Others seem to embrace it and don't appear to be threatened by the day and it's practices.
As believers in Jesus Christ, how are we to respond to Halloween? Do we avoid it or embrace it? Or do we find a middle ground?
Grace to You has written a great article that traces the origins of Halloween, its practices and where it has arrived in today's culture. The article also addresses Biblical and practical responses for the believer. I challenge you to read the article and gain some sound Biblical teaching regarding a God-honoring response to Halloween.
Anniversary - Today is Reformation Day—the 490th anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg’s Schlosskirke. Praise God for men like Luther that stood for Biblical truth.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Pilgrim's Progress - Introduction
Good morning. Last Monday, I mentioned that I would like to start an online 'book study.' Well, I have decided to do so using the book, The Pilgrim's Progress. This is one book that I have been wanting to read for a long time. I remember going through it in a Sunday School class as a child, but I have never read it as an adult. It has been called "the most influential religious book ever written in the English language." I think it will serve as a great book for our purposes here.
If you want to participate, the first thing you must do is secure a copy of the book. This should not be difficult. There are numerous editions available. There are also free online versions available HERE if you want to read it on your computer screen. One logistical difficulty with this book is that there are no chapter divisions. So, I am planning to follow the divisions listed HERE which divides the book into stages. I encourage you to do the same. Try to schedule it into your weekly schedule. Each Monday morning I'll post a short summary of what I've read and then post some discussion questions which will solicit your responses. My hope is to foster some profitable discussion here on our blog.
Today I want to give just a short introduction to the book. John Bunyan was born in 1628 in the parish of Elstow, England. He began writing his masterpiece, The Pilgrim's Progress, while he was in jail in 1675. It was written in two parts. The first being published in 1678 and the second in 1684. HERE is a great article with more biographical information regarding Bunyan and The Pilgrim's Progress.
It is important to understand that Bunyan's book is an allegory. "Allegory is a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning." In other words, The Pilgrim's Progress is a book with a meaning that extends far beyond the literal meaning. It is filled with symbols and pictures. As such, a cursory reading of this book will not do it justice. We will have to read with an engaged mind.
So, I trust you will participate in this endeavor. If not, oh well, at least I will be able to cross another book off of my 'books to read' list.
If you want to participate, the first thing you must do is secure a copy of the book. This should not be difficult. There are numerous editions available. There are also free online versions available HERE if you want to read it on your computer screen. One logistical difficulty with this book is that there are no chapter divisions. So, I am planning to follow the divisions listed HERE which divides the book into stages. I encourage you to do the same. Try to schedule it into your weekly schedule. Each Monday morning I'll post a short summary of what I've read and then post some discussion questions which will solicit your responses. My hope is to foster some profitable discussion here on our blog.
Today I want to give just a short introduction to the book. John Bunyan was born in 1628 in the parish of Elstow, England. He began writing his masterpiece, The Pilgrim's Progress, while he was in jail in 1675. It was written in two parts. The first being published in 1678 and the second in 1684. HERE is a great article with more biographical information regarding Bunyan and The Pilgrim's Progress.
It is important to understand that Bunyan's book is an allegory. "Allegory is a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning." In other words, The Pilgrim's Progress is a book with a meaning that extends far beyond the literal meaning. It is filled with symbols and pictures. As such, a cursory reading of this book will not do it justice. We will have to read with an engaged mind.
So, I trust you will participate in this endeavor. If not, oh well, at least I will be able to cross another book off of my 'books to read' list.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 2
The blog entitled “Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 1” contains the leadup story to today’s blog. From the book entitled Sailors to the End
, by Gregory A. Freeman
, by Gregory A. Freeman -------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite their fatal injuries, and with the knowledge that they would die in the compartment, the men responded well to the order to transfer the steering of the ship to the starboard control. Rowland stayed on the phone with Blaskis as the men completed the task and then he listened as each of them died. Blaskis told him when Ogring and Fasth died and then slowly Blaskis became silent.
Rowland put down the phone and cried. He cried from frustration because there was nothing that he could do. He also cried because he admired the men's determination and bravery. The men's obedience in the face of death allowed the ship and thousands of shipmates to be saved.
The chapter relating their story ends with these words, "They were sailors to the end. They never begged for mercy. They never whined. They never whimpered."
As I read the story, I was struck by those last words. My mind went to the duty that the men carried out. My mind went to the obedience to orders in spite of fatal injuries. It went to the many excuses the men had to not obey the order.
Rowland put down the phone and cried. He cried from frustration because there was nothing that he could do. He also cried because he admired the men's determination and bravery. The men's obedience in the face of death allowed the ship and thousands of shipmates to be saved.
The chapter relating their story ends with these words, "They were sailors to the end. They never begged for mercy. They never whined. They never whimpered."
As I read the story, I was struck by those last words. My mind went to the duty that the men carried out. My mind went to the obedience to orders in spite of fatal injuries. It went to the many excuses the men had to not obey the order.
The three men carried out their duties knowing full well they would soon be dead. It was, as are so many stories of war, the ultimate sacrifice, the giving of one’s own life for the greater cause.
There are a number of ways in which a story like this illustrates Biblical truths. A reading of 2 Timothy, chapter 2 reminds us of our duty as soldiers of Christ. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” vv1-5
According to these verses, a soldier of Christ endures hardship for the sake of Christ. He does not entangle himself in daily civilian affairs because that would distract him from his higher duty to please Christ. Commitment and obedience are in view. Doing what needs to be done, no matter the suffering that is required.
The men in our story were motivated by a commitment to a cause, to a military code. They were motivated by a duty to obey their commanding officer.
As soldiers of Christ the motivation for our commitment comes from…where? Verses 8 – 10 of 2 Timothy make it very clear. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."
Thoughts:
- Paul’s suffering was due to his commitment to Jesus Christ. (“Suffering” in this verse refers to misfortunes and trials endured because of one’s faith in Christ.)
- Paul endures these hardships willingly because he knows that the Word of God is not bound, but rather that it has the power to change men’s lives. Paul knew that God's Word cannot be chained or hindered by human force. He knew that the Word of God would act upon men’s hearts and consciences.
- Paul endures all suffering so that the elect could obtain salvation through Jesus Christ.
May we, as soldiers of Jesus Christ, dutifully endure hardship for the sake of the elect, knowing that the Word of God is not bound and that it will act on men's hearts. May our duty and commitment and obedience be uncluttered by daily affairs and main we be singularly focused on glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Lay it Down, Pick it Up, and Follow Jesus (by Bobby Thompson)
There is no such thing as a Christian who does not become a disciple of Jesus Christ. I did not say that as soon as one professes Christ his life automatically becomes spiritually disciplined and passionately persues the glory of God in all things. What I am saying is that the Bible does not allow for perpetual indifference in the life of a believer. There are no instructions for those who wish to become the best mediocre Christian they can be. It dosent even make sense. The only kind of Christian described in the Bible is the Christian disciple - learning about Him, living like Him, loving like Him.
One very concise statment of Christian discipleship is found in Luke 9:23:
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Three quick observations:
1. A disciple of Christ must deny himself. Self denial is not popular, fun, or easy - but it is God's way. Lay down our rights. Lay down our wills. Lay down our lives.
2. A disciple of Christ must take up his cross daily. Jesus has a cross for each of us to bear. It may come in different forms, but if you are a believer, be sure that it will involve bearing the reproach of Christ. (Hebrews 13:13) 1 John 3:13 says "Don't be suprised if the world hates you (because it hated Jesus first - John 15:18).
3. A disciple of Christ must follow Christ. "Where he leads me I will follow" - We sing it, and we preach it but are we prepared to do it?
I want to leave you with the next two verses of Luke 9, because they help us see that following Christ is not an optional matter for the true believer:
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and looses his own soul?"
One very concise statment of Christian discipleship is found in Luke 9:23:
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Three quick observations:
1. A disciple of Christ must deny himself. Self denial is not popular, fun, or easy - but it is God's way. Lay down our rights. Lay down our wills. Lay down our lives.
2. A disciple of Christ must take up his cross daily. Jesus has a cross for each of us to bear. It may come in different forms, but if you are a believer, be sure that it will involve bearing the reproach of Christ. (Hebrews 13:13) 1 John 3:13 says "Don't be suprised if the world hates you (because it hated Jesus first - John 15:18).
3. A disciple of Christ must follow Christ. "Where he leads me I will follow" - We sing it, and we preach it but are we prepared to do it?
I want to leave you with the next two verses of Luke 9, because they help us see that following Christ is not an optional matter for the true believer:
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and looses his own soul?"
Friday, October 19, 2007
Jim, Ron and Ken, Part 1
Before we get to Jim, Ron and Ken, check out this book by Jerry Bridges. Interesting in light of recent study and sermons in Psalm 51.
Now, today's blog.
Now, today's blog.
I love learning about the "sub-plots" in US July 29, 1967 . The location was the Gulf of Tonkin North Vietnam Gulf of Tonkin North Vietnam 11:00AM . Planes loaded with rockets, missiles and bombs packed the rear portion of the mighty carrier. At 10:51AM , a rocket was accidentally (electrical surge) fired from a plane. The rocket shot across the flight deck and pierced an external fuel tank on the A-4 Skyhawk piloted by Lt. Comdr. John McCain. The resulting explosion set off a chain reaction of explosions and burning jet fuel. The explosions of 1,000 lb bombs opened gaping holes in the flight deck and were so powerful that they tore through several decks into the port aft steering compartment where the three men were working. As a result of the explosions all three men suffered grave injuries including missing limbs. In spite of their injuries, all three remained conscious and did their best to avoid the burning jet fuel that poured like a burning waterfall into the compartment. As the conditions in the steering compartment became worse, Blaskis called to damage control to ask for a rescue party. He was kept in communication for the next few hours by a number of sailors in damage control. Every single person that talked to Blaskis that day was left with one overriding impression - that in spite of his own severe injuries, Blaskis was concerned only for the welfare of his shipmates.
As the flames increased, it became obvious that the men were trapped and rescue was impossible, the chief engineer of the carrier, an officer named Rowland, got on the phone and told Blaskis the stark truth; the three men were on their own. Baskis responded with three words, "Sir, we're dying." Rowland tried to encourage the men as much as he could, yet he knew that James Blaskis, Ronald Ogring and Kenneth Fasth would die in the compartment. He told Blaskis that there was nothing he could do. Blaskis answered quietly and simply, "Yes sir".
But then Rowland realized that there was something the dying men could do for the carrier. Because the port aft steering compartment in which the men were dying was so badly damaged, steering control had to me transferred to the starboard aft steering. If this didn't happen soon, total control of steering would be lost and the carrier would flounder and most likely be totally lost. If the steering control could be transferred, the ship could be saved along with thousands of sailors. The order had to be given before the men died.
So, Rowland gave the order to the dying men, "transfer steering"...
Related Posts:
, by Gregory A. Freeman. In that book I learned of James Blaskis, Ronald Ogring, and Kenneth Fasth. Let me briefly tell you the first part of their story in today's blog. The date was As the flames increased, it became obvious that the men were trapped and rescue was impossible, the chief engineer of the carrier, an officer named Rowland, got on the phone and told Blaskis the stark truth; the three men were on their own. Baskis responded with three words, "Sir, we're dying." Rowland tried to encourage the men as much as he could, yet he knew that James Blaskis, Ronald Ogring and Kenneth Fasth would die in the compartment. He told Blaskis that there was nothing he could do. Blaskis answered quietly and simply, "Yes sir".
But then Rowland realized that there was something the dying men could do for the carrier. Because the port aft steering compartment in which the men were dying was so badly damaged, steering control had to me transferred to the starboard aft steering. If this didn't happen soon, total control of steering would be lost and the carrier would flounder and most likely be totally lost. If the steering control could be transferred, the ship could be saved along with thousands of sailors. The order had to be given before the men died.
So, Rowland gave the order to the dying men, "transfer steering"...
Related Posts:
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Are you concerned for the lost? (by Stephen Simpson)
Have you ever noticed the words of Paul in Romans 9. Notice what He writes in verses 1-3:
As I read those words last week it struck me that I had never actually noticed what Paul was saying before. What Paul writes is truly remarkable. He expresses a desire to literally trade "spiritual" places with Israel. In verse 2, he writes of the "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" which he felt over the spiritual condition of his kinsmen, the Israelites. Notice the intense emotion and passion that Paul felt for the lost. He reaches his climax by wishing that he was "accursed and cut off from Christ" for the sake of his brothers. Paul expresses a willingness to trade his eternal security for eternal separation in order to win his brothers to Christ. What love! What concern for the lost!
I don't know about you, but seeing Paul's example brings a horrible conviction. I know of many people, including many of my 'kinsmen,' who don't know Christ. The sad truth is that too often I sit and do nothing. I fail to pray for them. I fail to engage them in conversation concerning the Gospel. I excuse my inaction by saying that "It's all up to God anyway." While reading these verses convicts me, it also motivates me and stirs my heart. I see the example of Paul and I think, "God help me to be more like Paul."
Let us use Paul's example to motivate us. We must be more concerned for the lost. We must always have a passion for the lost. We must always care about their spiritual condition. We must pray for God to give us the strength and the courage to act.
"I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit - that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." (ESV)
As I read those words last week it struck me that I had never actually noticed what Paul was saying before. What Paul writes is truly remarkable. He expresses a desire to literally trade "spiritual" places with Israel. In verse 2, he writes of the "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" which he felt over the spiritual condition of his kinsmen, the Israelites. Notice the intense emotion and passion that Paul felt for the lost. He reaches his climax by wishing that he was "accursed and cut off from Christ" for the sake of his brothers. Paul expresses a willingness to trade his eternal security for eternal separation in order to win his brothers to Christ. What love! What concern for the lost!
I don't know about you, but seeing Paul's example brings a horrible conviction. I know of many people, including many of my 'kinsmen,' who don't know Christ. The sad truth is that too often I sit and do nothing. I fail to pray for them. I fail to engage them in conversation concerning the Gospel. I excuse my inaction by saying that "It's all up to God anyway." While reading these verses convicts me, it also motivates me and stirs my heart. I see the example of Paul and I think, "God help me to be more like Paul."
Let us use Paul's example to motivate us. We must be more concerned for the lost. We must always have a passion for the lost. We must always care about their spiritual condition. We must pray for God to give us the strength and the courage to act.
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