Adorning Sound Doctrine

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Pete

Sometimes a morning reading will “pop” and I’m not exactly sure why. No obvious, apparent reason why those particular words should grab me. And so, I default to being pretty sure the Holy Spirit is wanting me to pick up something that’s being laid down. Other times, not that it’s any less a Holy Spirit thing, a passage pops and the reason is pretty obvious — it’s speaking into something very present and active in my world. This morning such is the case.

Paul’s been exhorting Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1). And while we might be quick to think that what accords with sound doctrine is more sound doctrine, it becomes pretty obvious, pretty quickly, that what accords with sound doctrine is actually sanctified behavior.

Paul instructs Titus as to what to teach older men and older women, younger men and younger women, concerning their behavior so that they might show themselves “in all respects to be a model of good works” (2:7a).

He even goes on to lay out how bondservants, redeemed by Christ, are to relate to their masters. And for what purpose? “So that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (Tit. 2:10b).

Adorn. I love that word! To make the teaching of God our Savior “more attractive” (NIV). To embellish it with honor. Dress it up with meritorious action in the things of everyday life. The greatest magnifying glass for right teaching is right living — according to the Word, empowered by the Spirit, for the sake of the gospel.

And in that context, comes this exhortation.

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

(Titus 3:1-3 ESV)

When I’m reading I’m on the lookout for commands to obey. There’s seven of them. And, not gonna lie, I think our overall adornment of sound doctrine these days would come across much better in the public square if we were more mindful of them.

We don’t need to agree with our rulers and authorities, but we can display a humility, seeded by our obedience to God, as we purpose to be submissive to our rulers.

What’s more, rather than be ready for a good fight over some controversial topic, we could, instead, focus intently on being ready for every good work.

What if we determined to speak evil of no one? Like actually, no one! Nobody. Not a single person. Determined to show dignity and respect to all people as image-bearers of God, we purpose in our hearts not to slander them. Tell me that’s not gonna be a game changer in our discourse and debate.

Avoid quarreling? Give our thumbs a rest? Pause the post? Resist the re-tweet? Could remove some distracting haze around the light we’re called to proclaim.

And when we do engage, to do so with gentleness, showing perfect courtesy toward all people? (There’s that all people again.) Tell me it wouldn’t make a difference in how the cause of Christ is viewed by a world mired in disobedience, incivility, and fist-shaking, angry yelling at one another.

Not judging, for we ourselves were all once foolish, but suggesting that such a filter might make more of difference than we’d suppose when it comes to adorning sound doctrine and making more beautiful the gospel.

Just sayin’ . . . Just thinkin’ . . .

By His grace. For His glory.

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The King Who Loves the Church

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Pete

Hovering over Esther 2 this morning and my mind goes down the path of Esther as a type, or a foreshadowing, of the church.

. . . the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast.

(Esther 2:17-18a ESV)

This no-name nobody from nowhere finds herself the object of the king’s love. She is the recipient of his grace and favor. He crowns her as his bride. It all being culminated at a great banquet table where their marriage is celebrated. Get the connection?

We too, as the church, have known the abounding love of a King. Through no accomplishment, stature, or claim of our own we have won grace and favor in His sight. We have been promised a crown of righteousness (2Tim. 4:8), and a crown of life (Ja. 1:12), to be presented on that day when we are ushered into His presence, face to face. And a feast? Talk about your celebration when the King’s bride presents herself clothed “with fine linen, bright and pure”, having made herself ready for the wedding celebration. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:7-9).

Yup, like Esther, like the church. Her story, kind of our story. Or . . . is it?

Chewing on the chapter a bit more and I see a couple of notable exceptions. Ways in which Esther, perhaps, is more of an anti-type of the church.

The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at . . .

(Esther 2:7b ESV)

Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.

(Esther 2:10 ESV)

First, Esther was a looker. Possessing a natural beauty which drew the attention and favor of those who saw her. Attractive. Pleasing to behold. In a sense, it isn’t hard to imagine how a hot-blooded king could be attracted to this young, beautiful woman.

Second, Esther had a secret. While the king might have been able to behold her beauty, he didn’t know her background. While she was ready to put on the cosmetics, the perfumes, and the apparel, she wasn’t prepared to let her suitor in on her history.

So, in many ways the king’s love for Esther may really have been more of a superficial infatuation based on the beauty he saw and the past he didn’t. (That the king’s love may really have been a shallow love makes sense if you consider how he treated his previous bride, Vashti).

But our King is not like that king.

Our King is all-knowing. Looking not as man does, on the outward appearance, but seeing the heart as well (1Sam. 16:7). No secrets before our Suitor. No past that He isn’t aware of. No story He isn’t familiar with. Knowing us better and deeper than we know ourselves.

And having laid bare the thoughts and intents of our heart, we really had no beauty to bring other than the corrupted shadow of the image we bear of our Creator. No matter how we may have tried to pretty ourselves up, no amount of makeup, perfume, or clothing could shield the evidence that we were dead in trespass and sin. Marred and scarred by the consequence of rebellion.

Yet, knowing every secret we would have preferred to remain secret, seeing without hindrance the ugliness of our sin, the King loved us. Not with a superficial, I-might-love-you-if-you-clean-yourself-up-enough kind of love, but with an eternal, I-will-go-to-the-cross-for-you kind of love.

. . . but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8 ESV)

No natural beauty to behold. More stuff in the past than we’d care to admit. And still, the Bride of King Jesus won grace and favor in His sight.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
  How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure —
    The saints’ and angels’ song.

The king loved Esther. But while their story might contain the hint of another love story, it fails in comparison to the story of the King who loves the church.

By His grace. For His glory.

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A Connection

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Pete

I was listening to a podcast on “cancel culture” yesterday. And what was kind of interesting is that the commentators confessed they were somewhat fearful taking on the subject lest they themselves should offend and themselves be “canceled.”

Probably not surprising that at one point they started talking about the enabling power of the internet in this modern day culture of everyone being able to have a voice as accuser, judge, jury, and executioner. That you needed to be careful about what you posted, or tweeted, or re-tweeted because of how quickly “news” could travel. What’s more, not just what you did or said yesterday, but what you did or said 10 or 20 years ago. Because, as has often been pointed out, while a tweet or a picture might take only a minute to post, once it’s on the internet, it’s there forever.

One of the take aways? Be careful what you put out there, because you never know who’s listening or watching.

But what if that’s always been true? Even before the internet? Even before computers? What if Someone has always been listening and watching, knowing every word spoken and every deed done?

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

(Proverbs 15:1-3 ESV)

Since our men’s study in Proverbs last year, I’m reading Proverbs a bit differently. Trying not to just see each verse as a random thought about different aspects of skillful living, but open to seeing them, at times, as intentionally grouped together. While each verse can stand alone, sometimes they are ordered purposefully in proximity. And in that, can convey some of the deeper connections and workings of the way of wisdom. This morning, the first several verses in Proverbs 15 seem to have a couple of repeated themes which, in proximity, can have a powerful impact.

The big idea I’m reminded of this morning? Be careful what you say, and what you do, because the eyes (and ears) of the LORD are in every place.

Some form of speech is mentioned 7 times in the first 11 verses. And the omnipresence and omniscience of Jehovah, “the existing One”, is mentioned twice. Is there a connection? Me thinks there could be.

Remembering that our God knows every word, and the heart behind every word, can have not only a purifying effect on our speech, but a governing effect, as well.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” ~ Jesus

(Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)

Cautious with our speech not out of fear of being “canceled” by God, for “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn. 1:9). But aware of every word in reverent fear of grieving our saving God, not wanting to “sin so that grace may abound” (Rom. 6:1).

Cautious with our speech because we are ambassadors of the way of Wisdom. Wanting to “set the believers an example in speech” (1Tim. 4:12). Wanting our speech to “always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:6). To be marked with “sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Tit. 2:8).

Wanting Him who knows every word and every deed, to be pleased with those He’s called to speak of the kingdom of His rule.

Wanting to avoid the verbal stumbling blocks of harsh words, or foolish talk. Not out of fear of some “cancel culture” but out of service to the One who calls people to a consecrating culture.

That’s the connection I’m chewing on this morning.

And that, by His grace and for His glory.

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Seeking the Seeker

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Pete

They were both seeking that day. One, desperately. While the other, however, was just “passing through.”

The desperate one could barely see above the crowd for he was “small in stature.” But the Other saw everyone, and everything, clearly — even knowing the thoughts and intents of the heart. The small guy was a chief tax collector, a sinner, AND was rich — a triple whammy when it came to the pursuit of righteousness. The One who seemingly was about to pass by was the King of kings, the Savior of sinners, the God with whom nothing was impossible, even ushering a rich man into the kingdom of heaven (Lk. 18:24-27). Very different men.

But what Zacchaeus and Jesus had in common is that they were both seeking.

And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, . . . And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

(Luke 19:2-3a, 9-10 ESV)

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. The reputation which had preceded the Teacher from Galilee had rooted itself in the heart of this Roman-serving, countrymen-oppressing, little rich man. Whatever he had heard about Jesus, it compelled him to know more. Even if it meant scurrying amidst the crowd, bumping into butts so that he might wind his way towards the tree which would help him rise above the crowd. He was seeking the Seeker.

But when Jesus looked up and saw this “big man” tax collector humbling himself as he precariously balanced above the crowd, putting himself literally out on a limb, Jesus said, “Come down, for I must stay at your house”, as if it had been His plan all along. As if passing through Jericho had always been with the intent of a rest stop at a sinner’s house. For Jesus, too, was seeking the seeker.

I’m sure there’s some theological term or explanation for how someone who is dead in trespasses and sin (Eph. 2:1) comes alive enough to seek the Author of life (Acts. 3:15). But, to me, it’s a mystery. The wonder of the Seeker seeking the seeker. Even stirring his, or her heart such that he, or she would find themselves seeking the Seeker.

What so compellingly prompts a proud, little man to so humble himself in order to rise above the crowd, and climb a tree in front of those who despise him? What makes the Son of God humble Himself, take on flesh, be hanged on a tree, and be lifted up before a mob set on deriding Him? Both were seekers. Both were seeking. Both were seeking the seeker.

Amazing! The actions of both men defy comprehension, really. But that the One who was in the beginning (Jn. 1:1), and made everything that was ever made (Jn. 1:3), and holds together everything that is being held together (Col. 1:17), would Himself come to seek and save the lost? Jaw-dropping.

Pretty familiar Sunday School story. Kind of easy to blow by it. But pause, be still, and noodle on it a bit, and it’s enough to send the awe-o-meter off the scale.

Because of His amazing grace. For His soul-seeking glory.

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We’re Gonna Sing

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Pete

To sing, or not to sing, that is the question. At least for some. And, a few weeks ago, for us as elders as we anticipated our church gathering again in our building this Sunday. Lot to think about when it comes to shifting from shelter-in-place to coming together. To sing, or not to sing, is one of those things.

We didn’t deliberate long over the question, but we did ask the question. Came to the conclusion fairly quickly that singing is something the gathered church does and thus, when we gather together, we should sing together. Certainly, to do so mitigating risk as much as possible, but declaring His praise in song, nevertheless. Not saying it’s the right answer, but we’re thinking it’s what the Lord would have us do.

But here’s the thing, even having made the decision, in a sense the question never goes away. As new information comes in, whether that’s reports of COVID outbreaks in other congregations, or feedback about discomfort with singing from our own congregation, for me at least, there’s always the question percolating in the background, “Lord, is this what You would have us to do?”

And it’s into that sort of context that the word of God often speaks. Such was the case this morning for me.

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. . . . Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. . . . So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God . . . And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

(Nehemiah 12:27, 31a, 40a, 42b-43 ESV)

Not sharing this as some “proof text” of why congregations must sing when they gather. No, just an illustration of how God in His goodness can communicate to people individually who are asking questions specifically if we read His word faithfully.

And I know that every text has a primary meaning and that we need to be careful about making unwarranted interpretations and applications just to give ourselves the answers we want. But at the same time, when the hearts desire is, “Word of God speak!” . . . often it does. Sometimes the living and active Word is actually living and active and speaks into current situations and, answers percolating questions.

Been pretty anxious about getting everything ready for this Sunday. Lot of details to work through. So, as the “to do” list grows so does my anxiety. Not sayin’ it’s right, but it’s kind of how I’m wired. It’s the flesh the Spirit has to work with as it conforms me increasingly into the likeness of the Son. Maybe, someday, I will actually get to the point where I am not “anxious about anything” because I’m quicker to pray about everything (Php. 4:6-7), but for now, it’s still a battle. But it’s into that battle that God, in His patient grace, speaks. And, most often, speaks through His Word.

So, this morning, I read these verses in Nehemiah 12 and almost immediately the question that’s been in the back of mind comes to the front as I sense God saying, “Yeah, you guys sing. It’s what people do who come out of exile.”

And I know it won’t be the same. Fewer people in the sanctuary, socially distanced, only half-face to half-face. But it wasn’t the same for Nehemiah & Co, either. There’s no way the walls resembled the walls of Jerusalem in the glory days. No way the house of God was even a shadow of the magnificent temple built by Solomon. But just as the glory had come down in Solomon’s day, so too the glory would come down as Nehemiah and the people climbed up on those walls, stood in the house of the LORD, and sang the glories of God.

So, Lord willing, we’re gonna sing this weekend. Not recklessly. Not as many songs as we used to. But we’re gonna sing enthusiastically, nevertheless.

Because our God reigns.

And, thank You Lord, because He speaks through His word when you least expect it.

Move evidence of His abiding grace. More reason to give Him all the glory.

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Leaving Home

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Pete

Listened to a podcast awhile back where Ruth Graham was interviewed about a book she’s recently written. The title of the book is “Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself.” Forgiving her father . . . you know who that is, right? Billy Graham. The Billy Graham. Certainly the greatest evangelist of my time, perhaps, some might argue, of all time. So what’s he got to be forgiven for?

From the interview it doesn’t sound like it’s one of those tell-all, reveal dirty secrets book. In fact, she says, she idolized her father. But sounds like it’s an honest processing of what it was like to grow up in a home where dad was gone . . . a lot! And sounds like she’s not blaming her dad for “her stuff” and her sin, she owns it, but part of that “stuff” was dealing with feelings of abandonment from her father. Even as her father pursued God’s call on his life to preach the gospel around the world. Hmm . . .

Came to mind as I was reading in Luke this morning.

And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed You.” And [Jesus] said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

(Luke 18:28-30 ESV)

Honestly, this has always been a tough passage to noodle on.

It comes right after Jesus’ discussion with the rich young ruler who wanted to know what he needed to do to “inherit eternal life” (18:18)). Figured he was pretty good at keeping the law but Jesus said, “One thing you still lack.” So Jesus tells him to sell all he has, distribute it to the poor, and then he would have “treasure in heaven” and be unencumbered to follow Jesus (18:21). And the young man bows his head and walks away. Too costly. Too great a price to pay. “How difficult,” Jesus says, “it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God” (18:24). Then, Peter said, “See we have left our homes and followed You.”

Hover over that for a bit. Doesn’t that seem like a place too far to go for our modern senses? Not just cashing in your bank account to follow Jesus but also leaving our home. Leaving wife, siblings, parents, and even children!

Our kids? Really? Could that possibly be the cost of following Jesus? Apparently. Doesn’t it strike you, at first, as going too far? But is it? Apparently not. For Jesus says, it will be worth it, “in this time, and in the age to come.”

Hard stuff for me to camp on. Would prefer to quickly read it, check it off my reading plan, and move on. Not this morning for some reason.

Does it make you feel like the rich young ruler? Sad, because it feels like it’s too great a price to pay? Ready to walk away? To settle for a second-best holiness? One that’s within my grasp? One that sets a bar I think I’m able to jump? Or, by His enabling, could I really surrender all. Or at least, being willing to surrender all for the sake of the kingdom?

Am I willing to entertain that to follow Jesus might actually involve not just something as easy as letting go of my material wealth, but also my relational wealth? Not that I’m equating the stewardship of money with the responsibility of caring for one’s family. But would I be willing to trust Jesus with my home if following Him kept me from being there a lot?

Cue introspection. Expel a heavy sigh. Search my heart, O God.

No tidy bow wrapping this thought up. Just something to chew on.

Requires His grace. Could only make sense for His glory.

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Keep on Keepin’ On (A Rerun)

Posted on August 5, 2020 by Pete

Gotta get going for an early morning airport run. Thought I’d re-post something from 2012 . . . a fond reminder of a dear friend. A needed reminder for such a time as this when we need to keep on keepin’ on . . .

He wasn’t flashy . . . but he was the real deal. Not some nuclear physicist, but a pretty good truck driver with a down-to-earth wisdom that caught your attention. Not a university trained man, but one who had buried his nose faithfully in the Scriptures daily . . . one whose hunger and thirst for the things of righteousness drove him to study the inspired Word of God . . . one, who as a result of what he found in the Word, had set his gaze firmly on the prize and sought diligently the kingdom. Not someone who would necessarily stand out in a crowd, but someone who had a profound impact on this guy at the keyboard. And one of his favorite encouragements . . . one that I’ve claimed for my own . . . was, “Keep on keepin’ on!” And this guy from my past was brought to mind as I was reading in 2Timothy this morning . . .

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it . . .

(2Timothy 3:14 ESV)

Paul knew better than anyone that the Christian walk isn’t really a walk or a stroll but that it’s a race . . . a pursuit of an ultimate goal. And that this race isn’t just a sprint but a long, enduring marathon. It was important to Paul that those who came to faith, would pursue the faith . . . that those who started well, would finish well . . . that those who sang Sunday School songs as a kid, would still be singing the praises of God as a “senior saint.” And, I’m thinking, that part of the “secret sauce” to finishing well has got to be the daily determination to keep on keepin’ on.

And the secret to keepin’ on? You continue in that which you have learned and have come to firmly believe. If I believe, or am assured, that something is true, trustworthy, the “real thing” . . . then I am far more likely to seek it . . . and desire it . . . and live for it. Would it be safe to say, “Show me a Christian who’s struggling with living for Christ and I’ll show you someone who’s not really convinced that Christ is living in them or worth living for?” Staying power is heavily reliant on being convinced that Jesus and the salvation He offers is truly “the way, the truth, the life” . . . the only way . . . the whole truth and nothing but the truth . . . demanding our whole lives and nothing less than our lives.

Timothy learned and became convinced of the truth of the gospel. He was a student . . . studying not only the Scriptures but also those who modeled how to practically “seek first the kingdom of God”. And Paul commanded him, “You MUST continue, in that which you’ve become convinced.”

I know I’ve said it before . . . again and again . . . but being saved is about so much more than just avoiding hell. It is about so much more than just waiting for heaven. Being saved is about pursuing salvation. It is about learning and then continuing in that which we’ve learned. It is about desiring to live godly lives in Christ Jesus (2Tim. 3:12). It is about knowing and then living out doctrine . . . about a way of life . . . about purpose, faith, longsuffering, love and perseverance (2Tim. 3:10). It is about continuing . . . or as my friend Wynn would say so often, it’s about “Keepin’ on, keepin’ on!!!”

And I think the reason so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ are struggling with continuing is because they really haven’t learned and they really aren’t convinced. They have not learned the truths of the faith and thus have not embraced the truths of the faith. They have not been taught “to observe all things” which is just as much a part of the Great Commission as is “Go therefore and make disciples” (Matt 28:19-20). Poorly taught . . . poorly walked. Little investment in the Scriptures . . . little staying power in the world. Lack of concentrated consideration of God’s Word and ways . . . lack of desire to take up the cross and follow Christ.

The more convinced I am of the truths contained in the “God-breathed Scriptures” (2Tim. 3:16), the more likely I am, by God’s grace and the power of the Spirit within me, to continue in the God-ordained way of life He has called me to.

Oh, that we as the people of God would know a revival of “firmly believing” . . . and that we would know the power of the Spirit in continuing . . . that we would keep on keepin’ on . . . by His grace . . . and for His glory . . . amen?

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Times of Difficulty

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Pete

Sometimes we can get more focused on the symptoms rather than the sickness. Distracted by what presents almost to the exclusion of what produces. Failing to connect the dots between things which are indicators and the root cause of what initiates.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.

(2Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)

Times of difficulty. That’s the phrase that caught my attention this morning. That’s what I’m chewing on.

Difficult times (CSB, NASB). Terrible times (NIV). Perilous times (NKJV). Troublesome times (a favorite southern gospel oldie but goodie).

In the last days there will come times of difficulty. Hard to take. Hard to bear. Hard to do. Strength sapping, soul wearying, heavy sighing times.

But understand this, Paul commands Timothy, times of difficulty are but the symptom. The indicators of a deeper problem. For at the heart of times of difficulty is the heart.

. . . there will come times of difficulty. For people will be . . .

It’s because of the list in verses 2 through 5 that there will be troublesome times. Pervasive sin promotes perilous seasons. Loving self and pleasure more than loving God is a recipe for turmoil. The appearance of godliness is what causes us to snooze at the wheel rather than guard against godlessness.

What hit me this morning is that times of difficulty point to a deeper problem. Hard times are the fruit of diseased roots.

So, while we need to deal with the times, while we need to engage in solutions for today’s problems, we can’t loose sight that we also need to address the heart of the problem, the heart. And only the gospel has the power to do that. Terrible times are ultimately addressed through transformed lives.

So, as we get involved in the issues of the day, we need to do so in a way that also points to the only real hope for tomorrow. While we might be called to act for systemic reform, we must not forget that it happens, ultimately, with one changed heart at a time. That re-working worldly structures and systems is but a temporary fix, but that the redemption of souls is of eternal consequence.

Not saying that we don’t need to engage in being salt and light in the world, we do. But we do so with a bigger picture in mind, a longer term in view, a more certain solution for all who believe, which will deal with the symptoms of our times of difficulty as it works sanctification in the hearts of regenerated people.

Make sense? Hope so.

Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men [and women] of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

(2Corinthians 2:16b-17 ESV)

By His grace. For His glory.

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Hard Conversations

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Pete

I think the church is being stretched. I think in this season everyone, everywhere is being stretched. But if anyone should have their “ears on” and head in the game about the opportunity to re-think and re-calibrate a thing or two, it’s the church — not the institution, but the people of God.

And one of the marks of how we’re doing, I think, is in our conversations. Easy to “dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1) when you talk about the weather, sports, and the doctrines you agree on. But try and make sense of the headlines that consume us today. Try and talk with certainty about things that are anything but certain, if only because of the mega-media maze we live in today where we can always find a voice, an expert, a study that aligns to our feelings. And then, try and process that with others holding a different view? Well, to say the least, it can be a challenge. Those can be hard conversations.

Pick a topic. How serious is COVID really? Has the government over-stepped their authority? Are masks really effective? What about matters of justice, protests, and how to make a difference where it matters? Top it all with a global pandemic, people growing stir crazy and ready to shed their bonds of shelter in place, add the uncertainty around economic recovery, and then mix in an election, and I’m thinking you have yourself a bit of a pressure cooker which is counter-productive to “civil discourse in the public square.”

And, it’s not like you can just ignore it, forget it, or pretend it’s not happening. You can’t really just talk about something else because, until recently when sports started firing up again, there’s not much else to talk about.

And here, though it’s just one area, is where I think the church is being stretched. Where the church has an opportunity to model the transcendence of the gospel through Spirit enabled unity beyond some superficial uniformity. Where, as we’re constantly pressed to engage with one another around controversial matters, we put on display the goodness and pleasantness of living as family together, like oil running down Aaron’s beard, a people where the Lord commands the blessing (Ps. 133:2-3).

And it starts, I think, with our conversations. With being “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20). And, as we practice talking about hard stuff around the family table, it prepares us to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders” with speech that is to “always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:5-6 ESV).

This leads me to this morning’s text (sorry for the long intro), a text that’s been on my radar for the past several weeks as my “bubble” expands and I connect more and more with my brothers and sisters in Christ and find myself in hard conversations. As we quickly get past the weather and talk about how we’re processing what’s going on in our world.

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

(2Timothy 2:24-25 ESV)

Taken a bit out of context? Yeah, but I think the principles apply. Not quarrelsome. Kind to everyone. Able to articulate an argument. Patiently enduring — not necessarily evil, but often an opposing view. Correcting, or trying to convince with gentleness. Recognizing all the while that it is God who changes hearts and minds as they need to be changed. And that we have the promise of the presence of the Spirit of God to lead us into truth.

Take this approach concerning our speech, mix it with a healthy dose of Romans 14 where we’re not to “quarrel over opinions” (Rom. 14:1 ESV) or pass judgment on “disputable matters” (Rom. 14:1 NIV), address such matters through the filter of God’s word, and I think we have an environment where iron can truly sharpen iron (Prov. 27:17). And where brothers and sisters can model gospel-founded unity.

It takes some work. And, at least for me, some confession when our flesh gets the better of us. It also requires a commitment to the gospel being the main thing superseding all things, and a trust in the God of truth working in our midst. But at the end of the day, or at least at the end of the heated debate, we’ll know the pleasantness and goodness of our unity in the Spirit despite our differences in this season.

And there, God will command the blessing.

By His grace. For His glory.

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A Dwelling Faith

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Pete

Faith, real faith, is not just about what we believe, but is evident in how we behave — and that, because it abides. That’s what I’m picking up from what Paul’s laying down this morning as I eavesdrop on some final words from a father-in-the-Lord to his son-in-the-Lord.

To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

(2Timothy 2:2-5 ESV)

That Paul had a soft spot in his heart for Timothy is evident throughout the New Testament narrative. Paul connected with Timothy back in Acts 16 and, from the get go, saw great potential in the young man. More than just being a faithful co-laborer in the gospel, he considered Timothy his son in the Lord. A trusted, capable son fully bought into the “family business”, often relying on him for the follow up work in areas where the gospel had been received. Timothy, it seems, wasn’t so much a church planter as he was a church establisher. And that, Paul would say, because “I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare” (Php. 2:22).

And here, in his second letter to Timothy, aware that his letter writing days were soon to be done, Paul is thankful for this faithful laborer, reminded that it was his faith which was truly at the heart of his faithfulness.

Paul calls it a sincere faith. Genuine. The real thing. Without hypocrisy. No pretense. No concealing what he thought, or what he believed, or how he discerned it should be lived out. Up front. What you see is what you get. And what you saw on the outside with Timothy was because of what was happening on the inside. For Timothy had a dwelling faith.

His was the same sort of faith that dwelt in his grandma, Lois. An enduring faith, able to be passed on from generation to generation. A faith that also dwelt in his mom, Eunice. And, like grandma, like mom, like son, a faith Paul could see was dwelling in Timothy as well.

A faith that had moved in. A faith that entered through the mind, but had set up permanent residence in the heart, soul, and spirit. A permeating faith. More than just a checklist of to do’s and to don’ts to simply follow and obey, the truth of God and the implications of the gospel had become operating precepts and principles etched into the innate mechanics of how Timothy responded to all of life. He had been transformed by the renewing of his mind (Rom. 12:2) and it manifested itself in a dwelling faith.

The Word had been hidden in his heart. The Way had been programmed by the Spirit into his life directing GPS. His motivating reward determined by things above, not things below.

He’d wake up in the morning and his faith was working. He’d go through his day and his faith was leading. Inseparable. No sacred vs. secular divide. His faith’s influence unavoidable regardless of the situation. Because it wasn’t just a Sunday morning faith. Not just a when-I’m-with-other-believers faith. No, Timothy’s was a dwelling faith.

Not saying Timothy had a perfect faith — we know better. But Paul, led by the Spirit of God, declared it to be a sincere faith. The real thing. And that, because it was faith beyond just facts, but a faith that had moved in — abiding in Timothy, even as Timothy abided in the Lord. A dwelling faith.

O, that I might operate out of such a faith, a faith at home in me through His on-going work in me.

By His grace. For His glory.

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