NORTH PARK CHURCH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FALL 2011

Understanding Biblical Doctrine (beginning September 11th)


Should doctrine be a part of our lives or should it be at the center of our lives? What is "doctrine" anyway? And do you know with complete confidence that what you believe as a Christian is consistent with the word of God?

In our class this Fall we will examine specific topics from a Reformed Theological perspective. Our systematic study will include (time permitting) the following content:
1. Revelation & Inspiration
2. The Nature of God
3. Man's Origin & Nature
4. The Person & Work of Christ.
5. The Holy Spirit
6. The Plan of Salvation
7. The Christian Life
8. The Church
9. The Sacraments
10. Worship
11. Christian Citizenship
12. The Christian and Secret Societies
13. Covenanting with God.

We will examine the scriptural basis for the Reformed position in each of these areas, as well as the counter claims of others.

It is my prayer that each of us will come away from this study with greater confidence that what we believe is grounded in scriptural truth, unstained by the hollow and deceptive philosophies of this world.

May it be so...

In Christ -

John
Soli Dei Gloria

GETTING WHAT WE DESERVE?

     A few weeks ago, Anthony Weiner (D-NY) tweeted an inappropriate picture of himself. After his initial denials, he admitted his wrong doing, issued the expected public apologies, and is now “seeking professional treatment” while on a leave of absence. Mr. Weiner has refused to resign his position. Sadly, moral failures of a sexual nature occur with some degree of regularity among our elected leaders. Here is a sampling going back to 1988: 

• 2011 - Nearly two years after acknowledging an affair with a former campaign staffer, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) resigned amid a Senate ethics probe. Rep. Chris Lee (R-N.Y.) resigned within hours after it was revealed that he sent a topless photo of himself to a woman he met on Craigslist.
• 2010 - Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.) resigned amid allegations he sexually harassed male staffers.
• 2009 - After disappearing from his state for nearly a week, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford admitted to having an affair with a woman in Argentina. He served out his full term, and couldn't run again because of term limits.
• 2008 - New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned after authorities said he spent tens of thousands of dollars to arrange visits with prostitutes.
• 2007 - Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) acknowledged that his Washington phone number was among those called by an escort service. He was reelected to a second Senate term in 2010.
• 2006 - Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) resigned after reports surfaced that he sent lurid messages to teenage male congressional pages.
• 2004 - New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey (D) resigned, announcing that he had an extramarital affair with a man.
• 2001 - Rep. Gary Condit's affair with intern Chandra Levy was exposed after the 23-year-old disappeared. The California Democrat, in office since 1989, left Congress in 2003 after losing a primary election to a former aide.
• 1998 - During the 1992 presidential primaries, former TV reporter Gennifer Flowers claimed she had a 12-year affair with candidate Bill Clinton. As president, he was accused of sexually harassing state worker Paula Jones. The Jones investigation ultimately revealed the president's relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
• 1995 - Sen. Bob Packwood (R-Ore.) resigned from the Senate following a three-year inquiry into allegations that he sexually harassed female members of his staff.
• 1990 - Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) was reelected with 66 percent of the vote after allegations that he allowed a male prostitute to do business out of his home.
• 1988 - Gary Hart, once the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, ended his bid following reports of his affairs with Donna Rice and other women.

     It is amazing to me that many of these elected leaders were able to finish out their terms of office. Some were even re-elected, and a few continue to be re-elected by their constituents, who are apparently able to look past their moral failures. This seems to be the case with Weiner. According to a recent poll by Marist and NY1, Fifty six percent of those interviewed said that Weiner shouldn't resign, while only 33 percent said he should (12 percent said they hadn't made up their minds). One constituent said "They just have to use technology better." (Does he mean use technology for a higher, better purpose, or learn to use technology better so they don’t get caught?) Another said, "I hope this doesn't kill his political career. People just have little bad habits." Indeed. What Weiner’s constituent euphemistically calls “little bad habits”, God calls “sin”.
     Are we to expect our elected representatives to be perfect? If this were the case, no one would be qualified to serve, for “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23). What we should expect is upright, moral, and ethical conduct of our leaders. If that were truly the case, the voters would also expect that when a situation such as Anthony Weiner’s arises, there would be genuine confession, contrition, and resignation. In general, this is not what we get, because in general, this is not what we expect.

     The United States is not, as many people think, a democracy. The USA is a republic, in which authority is derived through the election by the people of public officials best fitted to represent them. It is a “bottom up” form of government where the citizens at every level of government from the local to the federal, elect a civil agent that is believed to best represent them. One would expect an upright, moral, and ethical people to elect upright, moral, and ethical civil agents, and to demand that those who prove otherwise be removed from office. This is no longer the case in America, where votes are often cast, and those “little bad habits” overlooked on the basis of what the civil agent does for the people of his district. Can you say “pork projects”?

     John Adams said, “We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled by morality and religion…Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (Address to the Officers of the Massachusetts Militia, 1798.)

     In 1834, Noah Webster wrote “They choose men, not because they are just men, men of religion and integrity, but solely for the sake of supporting a party. This is a fruitful source of public evils. But as surely as there is a God in heaven, who exercises a moral government over the affairs of this world, so certainly will the neglect of the divine command, in the choice of rulers, be followed by bad laws and as bad administration; by laws unjust or partial, by corruption, tyranny, impunity of crimes, waste of public money, and a thousand other evils. Men may desire and adopt a new form of government; they may amend old forms, repair breaches and punish violators of the constitution; but there is, there can be no effectual remedy, but obedience to the divine law. (Value of the Bible- unpublished manuscript): 1834, emphasis mine.

     One hundred and sixty six years ago Webster defined the problem we face today, as well as the solution.

     Think about it…


In Christ –


John
Soli Deo Gloria

NOTHING TO SHARE

One of the joys of writing this blog is the occasional comment received from someone who really relates to what I have written. Some are encouraged by my words, others are convicted. Some, I am sure, are mystified, as in “what in the world is he talking about?”. Once, after I had gone a few weeks without posting, a friend asked why I hadn’t shared anything lately. I told him that I was going through a time when I felt I had nothing to share. His response was “you always have something to share.” He is right, I always have something to share, and so do you. Let me explain…

     Our conversation in the “Truth Process” class this week has given me a new perspective on my friend’s comment. We were discussing the devaluation of the institution of marriage in our culture, and I posed the question, “How did this happen? How did it come to pass that marriage is now viewed by some as an outdated tradition?” (It must be so. After all, renowned philosopher, deep thinking actress Cameron Diaz declared marriage a “dying institution.” Ms. Diaz added, “I don’t think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don’t suit our world any longer.”)1

     When it came up that the divorce statistics aren’t much different among Christians than among the secular culture, the conversation turned to the need for consistent discipleship – that ongoing process of being taught the meaning and application of God’s word. My impression is that many within the body of believers view this as a responsibility of the organized church – that a special program should exist to disciple believers, especially those new to the faith. While I am not opposed to organized, structured discipleship, I believe that there is more to it than that. That’s where you and I come in.

     Would the body of Christ be stronger if each of us was more intentional about reaching out to our fellow believers to offer our support, counsel, encouragement, and wisdom? Wouldn’t it be great if this was happening not because we signed up for the “discipleship committee”, but because we accept the responsibility that comes with being a part of the body?

     I wonder if the condition of Christian marriages would be better if more “seasoned” married women of the church reached out to the younger women, married and unmarried alike, and shared reality with them. Reality is what the word of God says regarding a wife’s role in marriage, and the husband’s responsibilities as well. Reality is what it’s like to actually live it. Would these younger women be better prepared if a sister in the Lord had honestly shared the truth – that marriage is a commitment that requires hard work?

     And would it help if the men of the church reached out to the younger men to share, within the context of a relationship, the same realities? Severe harm is being caused to our culture by the lack of male leadership within marriage. This is occurring both within and without the church, but for those of us within the church, we should know better! Would it help if our younger men were encouraged to view the duty of loving our wives as Christ loved the church as a duty without exceptions? (Ephesians 6:25)

     Please know that I am not suggesting a “let me tell you how it is” lecture. Not at all! This kind of discipleship starts with a cup of coffee or lunch. It continues as we get to know one another on a deeper level and trust forms within the relationship. And then we see how the Spirit leads…

     In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul spoke of the church as “one body, many parts”. He said that “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” (See 1 Cor 12:15-22)

     I can’t help but think that this kind of interdependent discipleship would help the body of Christ become stronger and more unified, which is desperately needed. But we face a significant challenge – most of us are too busy, and at times, too self-oriented.

     In any given week there are 168 hours – that’s it. There is no way to increase that number, and we cannot “make time” or “find time”, we can only take time. This means that we must take time away from some other activity that is part of what fills up our 168 hours. In some areas we have no choice regarding the use of our time. In others we do, and it is in these areas where we have the opportunity to choose to take the time to reach out to others.

     Now some of you may be think “I have nothing to share.” You always have something to share that will help a fellow believer. You may not know what it is yet, but if you will start by sharing your time, the Lord will lead.

     Have my words “pinged” your conscience? Are you feeling convicted about the people who have come to mind, those people you have been meaning to call? If so, I’ll leave you to deal with your conscience and conviction, while I deal with mine.

     May it be so…


In Christ –


John


Soli Deo Gloria

1 DR. KEITH ABLOW: Cameron Diaz Is Right -- 4 Reasons Why Marriage IS a Dying Institution May 06, 2011 FoxNews.com

SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, AND TRUST GOD

I laughed when he said it. My friend had called me to share with me how once again, God had blessed him and his family. He had become anxious over a situation in which he had to wait for the outcome of an appraisal of the market value of his home. He had a few days when “what ifs” ran through his mind, but when he was notified of the appraised value, it turned out to be far higher than expected. He had called to share the news with me.

I suppose that the comment was in part motivated by the “I ought to know better” frustration of having spent a few days needlessly worried about an outcome over which he had no control. His statement was both amusing and profound. “You know”, he said, “I just have to sit down, shut up, and trust God!”  What wonderful advice.

In my own life there have been more than a few circumstances in which I was worried and anxious about things over which I had no control. I confess that some of these circumstances existed because I had failed to make good choices in areas where I actually had some measure of control over the outcome. Regardless, the truth is that you, my friend and I must remember that trusting in God brings a peace to the heart and mind that is otherwise impossible.

In the 112^th Psalm we read that the righteous man “will have no fear of bad news”, and that “his heart is steadfast.” (v.7) In Isaiah 26 – “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (v.3).

Is there something happening in your life that is causing you to experience that nagging, anxiety that tugs at your heart and mind? I encourage you to sit quietly before God, and listen to the quiet voice of the Spirit, and rest in Him – the one who created and sustains you.

Just “sit down, shut up, and trust God.”

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

FOR YOU AND FOR ME

Roman crucifixion(1) was an ancient method of execution in which the victim's hands and feet were tied to, and then nailed to a cross. It was a most painful and disgraceful method of capital punishment. Victims were usually beaten and tortured and then forced to carry their own cross to the crucifixion site.

In the narrative of Christ’s arrest, mock trial, and crucifixion found in Matthew 27, we find this brief reference to the beating that took place – "Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified."(v.26) This “flogging” would have been done with a whip made of strips of leather with pieces of bone and lead attached to the ends. With each blow, the flesh would be torn open. The Jews limited the number of lashes to 39. The Romans had no such limitation, and the victims of Roman floggings often did not survive what had to be a horrifically painful ordeal.
 The Roman cross was formed of wood, typically with a vertical beam and a horizontal cross beam at or near the top. In New Testament Bible times, the Romans used this awful method of execution as a means of exerting authority and control over the population. As a deterrent to crime, crucifixions were carried out in highly public places with the criminal charges posted on the cross above the victim's head.

Before nailing the victim to the cross, a narcotic mixture of wine and gall was typically offered to alleviate some of the victim's suffering. Jesus refused this. (Matt 27:34) Wooden planks were usually fastened to the vertical stake as a footrest or seat, allowing the victim to rest his weight and lift himself for a breath. A person hanging from his hands will soon find it difficult to breathe. The Romans provided the wooden planks not out of compassion, but as a way of prolonging the suffering. and delaying death for up to three days. Unsupported, the victim would hang entirely from nail-pierced wrists, severely restricting breathing and circulation. The victim could push against the wooden plank and the spike passing through his feet, the shredded flesh of his back rubbing against the rough hewn timber, raising his body sufficiently to draw a full breath. This excruciating ordeal would lead to exhaustion, suffocation, brain death and heart failure. At times, mercy was shown by breaking the victim's legs, causing death to come quickly.(2)

Death did come quickly for Jesus, but not because of an act of mercy on the part of the Romans. He was on the cross from the sixth hour to the ninth hour (Matt 27:45) – from noon until 3 PM. A few verses later, we read that Jesus cried out in a loud voice and he gave up his spirit. Christ was in control, and he willingly gave up his spirit – it was not taken from him.

Jesus, being in very nature God (Phil 2:6) could have stopped this entire process at any time. He had the power to do so, yet he did not. He endured betrayal by one of those close to him, an illegal trial conducted in the middle of the night, and humiliation at the hands of the Roman soldiers. He was spit upon and beaten. His beard was plucked out and a crown of thorns was shoved onto his head. He was flogged, laid down on the cross with his arms extended, and large spikes were driven through his wrists and feet. The cross was then lifted and the vertical beam was dropped into a hole. The cross stood upright, and he hung there, naked and in pain. Why did the Son of God endure all of this?

For you and for me.

I have a tendency to “forget” this part of the Easter story. Most of the emphasis is on Christ’s resurrection three days later – as it should be. Without the resurrection, there is no story. This part of the Easter story – his suffering – is worthy of remembrance as well, because it reminds me of how great the Father’s love is for me. Jesus Christ, the son of God, endured all of this because of my sin and the sins of the world.


Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear the phrase “the sins of the world”, my life, and my sin, seems very small in that grand perspective. Christ’s suffering seems more “generalized”, but in reality it was highly personal. His sacrifice was for me, one whom he knew already, before the foundation of the world. It was for you as well.

In Christian circles we speak of “coming before the cross”. When we do, we gaze upon an empty cross that reminds us of Christ’s victory over sin and death. We would do well to also remember what He endured for us.

May it be so…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria


(1)Information regarding crucifixion is from “Brief Overview of the History of Crucifixion” by Mary Fairchild. http://christianity.about.com/od/goodfriday/a/crucifixionhist.htm as well as the NIV Study Bible,1995 Edition, Zondervan Publishing House.


(2)The practice of crucifixion was abolished in 337 A.D. by the first Christian emporor, Constantine the Great.

TURN ON, TUNE IN, DROP OUT

 "Turn on, tune in, drop out" is a counterculture phrase popularized by Timothy Leary in the 1960s. Leary was an early advocate of LSD experimentation. He taught psychology at Harvard, and by 1960 was experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs - first on prison inmates, then on himself and his friends. At one time, President Richard Nixon called him "the most dangerous man in America."  Leary formed the "League of Spiritual Discovery", an LSD advocacy group, and spent some time in prison on various drug charges.

I have no idea why the  "Turn on, tune in, drop out" phrase came to my mind this morning, and I want to assure you that it is not due to a flashback from a bad acid trip during my college days. Just to clarify - there were no acid trips whatsoever during my college years or at any other time in my life. For some strange reason, this phrase came to mind as I was thinking about the importance of  regular time spent in the word of God. Without apology to the departed Dr. Leary, I am going to "borrow" his phrase and perhaps give new meaning to his words.

Turn On     

Think about turning on a radio, television, iPod, or a kitchen appliance. This is most often an act of the will, is it not? The act of turning these devices on is a most often a choice. And why do we choose to turn on these devices? We do so because we want something. In these examples, what is wanted might be information, entertainment, instruction, or a good meal.

How do we "turn on" the word of God? We open the Bible, and read it.  It sounds so simple, doesn't it? I have found that there can be a huge difference between simple and easy.  It seems that there a thousand and one things that will keep me from reading the Bible - fatigue, being "too busy", the morning newspaper, the distractions of a long "to do" list... The reality is that, just as it is with the devices mentioned above, I will "turn on" the word of God if I truly want instruction, wisdom, and direction. 

Tune In         

We tune in the word of God by asking the Holy Spirit, who is already within (John 14:17), to give us understanding.  The Spirit is our "truth guide" (John 16:13). A good friend of mine laments the neglect of the Holy Spirit by the body of Christ, contending that we hear very little about the role of the Spirit in the believer's life. He may be right, and I know that the Holy Spirit is instrumental in "tuning in" the message and application of the divinely inspired word.

Drop Out

I am not suggesting we live in a monastery, nor am I starting a cult where we drop out of society and live together on a ranch in Montana. I believe that it is necessary for the believer to "drop out" of the fast-paced routines of life, and sit quietly, alone with the Lord and His word. This is actually part of the "tuning in" process.

All day long, day after day, the world sends us messages that corrupt our thinking about what is true relative to who we are, why we exist, what leads to happiness and joy, what a family is, what a woman should look like... Most of these messages are lies, and dropping out gives us the opportunity to reconnect with the truth, and the Author of truth. Jesus himself would often go away to a quiet place, apart from the crowds, so that he could pray and talk to the Father.

Remember that "dropping out" is not the same as "spacing out". My sister-law once said, "I just want to sit at home and stare." I think she meant "space out" - that state we are all in from time to time where the mind just wanders around from thought to unrelated thought, never settling. That's not what I mean when I say we need to "drop out". For me, my drop out times are when I can read from the Bible, think about the meaning and application to my life (with the help of the "Truth Guide"), and prepare myself for the challenge of the day that awaits me.

Timothy Leary's 1960's advice to "Turn on, tune in, drop out" was all about a wild ride along the edges of insanity. For a follower of Jesus Christ, it's about living a life that is pleasing to God, according to His word, and in the power of the Spirit.

May it be so...

In Christ -

John

Soli Deo Gloria

BEDROCK



The Duke Power Building


Every time I visit the city of Charlotte, North Carolina it seems that there is another building under construction. I like a number of things about Charlotte – the warmer climate, the beauty of the abundant flowering trees and shrubs, and the fact that our daughter lives there. I also like the unique designs of the new buildings.


The new “skyscraper” buildings are distinct in their architecture. One structure in particular stands out in my mind. Unlike more common construction where the top of the skyscraper is a flat roof or a pyramid shape, the top of this building slopes to the sky in the shape of a an inverted triangle, and it is lighted by colored lights at night. In the relatively flat topography of Charlotte, it can be seen from miles away.

These buildings, though different in design, have similarities in form and function. Perhaps the greatest similarity is that they are each built on a solid foundation. The design of the building is immaterial if the building won’t last, and it would be foolish and dangerous to build on anything other than a solid foundation. So it is with our lives.


In the western culture, millions of lives are “under construction”. On the outside, they look great, and some rise high, but many are destined to fall because these lives rest on unstable foundations. Some people build their lives upon their wealth, which is subject to erosion and loss. Some build upon an attractive appearance, and over time this too is subject to erosion and loss. Some build upon power and control, and eventually, like Saddam Hussein and hundreds of others over the centuries, see it all come crashing down, and they die in the rubble.

As for me, I have foolishly tried building on different foundations. I tried to build on what I thought was a high level of personal strength and self discipline. I learned (the hard way) that I am not strong, but weak, and at times very undisciplined.

I have also tried building on my competencies – those areas in which I have gained knowledge and experience, as well as those areas where I seem to be naturally gifted. I discovered that I could never have enough competencies, and that my natural gifts, when used improperly or with the wrong motivation, turned into weaknesses.

So – upon what foundation should we be building? As always, the answer is found in the word of God.

In the 16th chapter of Matthew, we find a brief yet profound catechism lesson taught by Jesus to his disciples. He asked them “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They recounted to Him what they heard among the people - “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Then he asked the disciples “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Christ’s response to Peter’s words tells us all we need to know about the foundation upon which we are to build. He said “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

What was the “rock” to which Jesus referred – the rock upon which He would build his church – a church so strong that all the forces of evil aligned against Christ and his kingdom could not overcome it?

That rock is the truth claim of God. The words came from Peter’s mouth, but were inspired by the Father in heaven. This truth claim – that Christ is the Messiah – the savior – is a foundational truth and is a cornerstone in the construction of a life that is meaningful and pleasing to God.

Everyone builds their life upon some foundation, and that foundation is either true and reliable, or it is not. All of the foundational “materials” I have mentioned – wealth, beauty, power, self discipline, competencies – are ill suited as the bedrock of life. The only reliable foundation is what is true. As it is with a physical structure that rises many stories high, it is foolish and dangerous to build on anything other than a solid foundation.

There are times when my life seems and feels a bit shaky and unstable. It is good to know that the bedrock never moves.

In Christ –

John


Soli Deo Gloria