Testimony: God’s Story or Our Story

Last week on the White Horse Inn, a weekly radio show on Reformed Theology, the panel of hosts led by Dr. Micheal Horton, discussed the issue of testimonies. The producer of the show went to a recent conference and asked a question: Do you you witness by talking about God’s story or your own story? It was surprising how many people answered, asserting that their testimonies are their persoanl experience and that people cannot take that away. There was only one response that testified to God’s work in redemption by sending His son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of sins and to redeem His people.

Indeed, their is often change when the Holy Spirit applies the truth of the Gospel to a sinners heart. Noless than a complete trun around from being a rebel sinner to now a child of God who rejioces in the truth of the Gospel. It just show that man, even when trying to share the Gospel, often put to much focus on themselves rather than the historical redemptive truth of God’s Word.

WHI is an amazing radio program, and I have benefitted from it a lot over the last three years.

First Year at WSC

Finals week is over at Westminster Seminary California and I am excited to have completed the first year of rigorous study in preparation for ministry. Its been a challenging year but I believe its vital to have this training to grow in this call to pursue an MDiv degree. I haven’t blogged in awhile due to the workload but I am compelled to write about the experience thus far to reflect on the year and to see the Gospel worked out in life and ministry. He who knew no sin became sin that He may present His people before God, granting them imputed righteouness and access to the father. I pray that God’s Word is preached faithfully  and humbly because it is easy to forget what He has done in Christ Jesus- to redeem His people.

Eye of the Tiger

Tiger Woods made his return to the PGA Tour today and appears to have a renewed vigor for playing after his 8 month rehab from a torn acl. As an golfer, I appreciate his commitment to play, and it reminds me of the Apostle Paul when he talks about training as to win the prize. It’s amazing how distracted i can get from what is important, namely growing in the work and person of Jesus Christ. Press on toward the goal heavenward.

Time Out?

The new semester has started this week at WSC. I am excited about the courses this semester, but there will be a tremendous workload. I pray for focus and good stewardship of the time God has given me. What a comfort to know He is in control and yet I’m called to spend time that brings honor and glory to His name.

Today’s chapel focused on 1 Corinthians on food offered to idols. Do we eat it in good conscience or turn away from it in obedience to the Apostle Paul’s counsel. He also says that whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God. The emphasis in 1 Cor. 10 refers to eating and drinking, and how to respond in those situations. Today we may face such issues as alcohol and tobacco, meat or vegetable and other such issues that concern our conscience.

Paul also mentions in Romans 14 not to cause an ocassion for someone to stumble, when it is appropriate to refrain in light of a weaker brother’s faith or conscience. We are called to think of other’s more  highly than ourselves and to carry each other’s burdens.

i appreciate the time of devotion on Tuesday and Thursday to hear God’s Word taught. It’s a welcome break in the rigors of schoolwork, but it is also a great reminder to meditate on God’s Word and to keep the goal of entering ministry on the forefront. I am still grateful for Dr. Clark’s reminder to study while I pray and pray while I study.

It’s amazing how anxious people can be when faced with deadlines. I too, find myself worrying and forgetting to seek God’s kingdom first. This semester already has a big workload, and I pray that I spend time wisely, pressing on towards the goal heavenward, remembering that it is because of Go’s grace that I may press on. I am totally dependent on God yet I live like I don’t.

What a blessing to know that God sent His Son to forgive my sins on the cross. May His Word be proclaimed boldly to encourage and edify His people and to bring sinners to Christ. SDG

BUzz Word

There are certain words in culture that take on the faddish category of “buzz words”. These words are used regularly to describe a movement or trend in culture and reflect the current ideas important to a particular age. Often these words are merely cliches that reflect the same thing as a buzz word. For instance, “bailout’ has been an oft cited word in our current economic crisis, as well as “green”. Behind each word there is an ideology behind the word as it takes on significance in the culture.

In the church, community is one such word that has received considerable attention, especially in our Western culture. Since the Enlightenment, “Homo Mensura”, or man the measure, has been a driving philosohpy in how man perceives the world he lives in and how that relates to others.

The individualism that pervades culture today poses a great challenge to this ideology, and the fact that we mention community so often is that we have a hard time engaging with it. Our lives can be superficial and distant from those around us, and we sometimes feel guilty for not really being a neighbor. Dealing with others is not always convenient, and it takes a lot of humility to stop one’s own agenda and interact with another. God showed us His love for us by sending His SOn to die for us while we were still sinners.

I write this post recognizing that I fight the tendency to withdraw and escape from community in the church and with my family. The community I am in is not one I’d necessarily chose to be in; it is the graciousness and will of God that I bee in community to share together with other believers the Word and Sacraments that define the church community.

Though it is so important to be aware of, in light of God establishing His church, there is the sinful desire to do what is right in our own eyes. Hebrews declares that we not forsake the gathering and celebrate what Christ has done on our behalf. John mentions the one anothering passages to remind us of our dependency on Christ and our community.

It’s a shame that so many are moving from church to church or not even going to church at all. More on this to come. SDG

TRue REpentance

Yesterday, on the Lord’s Day, I heard a marvelous sermon that addressed Psalm 51- the magnificent Psalm of repentance after David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. One aspect of this sermon that hit me hard was the tendency to have remorse rather than repentance. Remorse looks inward to the feelings of guilt and shame and gets stuck on one’s own shortcomings and sin. David gives us the example of turning to God, asking for His mercy to blot out our transgressions. What immediately stood out was David’s faith to seek God and ask for a new heart and to be restored to the joy of his salvation. It is truly a gift of God, and it points to the work of restoration God grants to a humble and contrite heart.  In trying to deal with my own sin, I turn inward and try to take on the role only God can give through His power and grace.

David shows us how to appraoch God in daily repentance, recognizing that it against Him that we have sinned. Of course the ramifications affect our relationships with others, but our sin is primarily an affront to a holy and righteous God. I pray for restoration as I seek God, trusting in His work of salvation. To Him be the Glory.

Word Study

Today in Greek at WSC we looked at some basic terminolgy concerning word studies and how to use lexicons and commentaries to better understand how a word is used in its various contexts. Context, context, context. This is vital in exegesis, and as a new student of Greek, I want to become more proficient in how I read the Greek New testament.

I’ve had an affinity for words ever since middle school. Words convey meaning when they are arranged in sentences and in paragraphs. For a long time I have looked at roots of words and how words are formed. The problem I’ve had with that though is how the words derive meaning in context. What is the main point behind a grouping of words? What is the author conveying to an audience?  Words are used every day by humans to share stories, to ask for things, and to confront others with potential problems. How words are used and how they are articulated say a lot about the person saying them. James warns us about the tongue in how we speak truth to others. I find that the tongue is hard to tame(Dah!) and that I’ve said harsh words to family and friends without realizing the extent of what I said. Often, it only happens in retrospect when I realize the content of what was spoken in anger or impetuosity.

I’m looking forward to delving into the word study assignment, and I pray that I come to a better understanding of how words are used in preaching and teaching God’s Word. There is much to learn.

Pay Attention

Sometimes focus seems so easy. Even when I haven’t prepared for a test. Other times, I’ve studied diligently to no avail. Today I had a quiz on vocab and Greek paradigms. For one, I didn’t study all the appropriate memory paradigms, but more important than that, I didn’t pay attention to the question on the quiz. Once I looked at the question the answer came to mind, however, I had to turn in the quiz. Times up.!

I went through period of self-loathing and lamented the poor effort. Back to basics. Read the question before you answer it. This circled through my mind for most of the afternoon, yet I also thank God for this happening, for it brought to mind something I struggle with not only on tests but also in listening to people. Have you ever had someone finish a sentence for you when you were ready to answer. O how this is one of my pet peeves! In all sincerity, I do the very same thing to others. People who have a more deliberate delivery in everyday conversation provide just enough of a gap to allow the quick thinker (or one who likes to interject) to say what they want. Usually, this goes on while the person is talking, and then the quick reply comes out.

I am a slow thinker in most respects, careful to form the words I want to say. Sometimes, thoough, this is a way to avoid saying something I might regret. Because it remains unspoken does not take away the intent of my heart. At times, when i speak at a faster rate, it is just the opposite of my normal speech pattern. I pray that people would be more apt to listen rather than wanting to be heard. I need this reminder for myself as well.

Communication is directly related to how we listen, intrepret and respond to others. Listening is not easy. That ought to be a given, but its hard to realize-especially when thoughts are focused elsewhere. So next week I have another quiz and then a final. Maybe this time I’ll slow down and read the question instead of fearing a poor grade.

Conference Crasher

The conference at WSC sold out for this weekends Calvin Legacy. I didn’t sign up early enough to get a ticket, but I am going to hang out and see if an opportunity arises to partake of this much anticapated conference. I am planning to study for Greek, so I’ll hang out to use the library.

Conferences today provide a lot of valuable information about theology and bring people together to think about various topics of interest. A google search will bring up the wide variety of conferences throughout the year, and I’m amazed at the frequency of conferences various groups have. We have T4G, Gospel Coalition, Passion, just to name a few. I enjoy attending these gathering because I want to learn more about the faith and how to live a ;life worthy of the gospel. I appreciate the rich teaching from some modern day theologians and pastors. Some few these gatherings and those who host them as an event, a way to build each other up in their own view or agenda. Some have called the preachers and teachers invloved as “Christian Celebrities”  It’s important to not elevate these leaders above who they proclaim- Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I pray we’ll learn more what it means to grow in the image of God’s Son and to bear witness to His glorious truth.

Calvin Conference at WSC

This weekend WSC is hosting, which they do every year, a conference on the legacy of John Calvin. There are no spots left, but I am going to hang out and see if I can get in. If not, then I will have to wait for the DVD and listen to it at that time. I’m excited that WSC is hosting this event, and I’m sure my professors are eager to share about the rich history of the reformation regarding the profound impact of Calvin.

When I first heard about “Reformed” and “the doctrines of grace” I didn’t realize the impact Calvin had on these doctrines. For most, it seems, predestination is the main doctrine that comes to the surface when people talk about Calvin. For others, there’s a palpable disdain for his involvement with Servetus. There is much for me to learn about his Institutes and his commentaries. I’ve also read “The Expository Genius of Calvin by Steve Lawson, who ably describes Calvin’s passion for preaching and expositing the text of Scripture. I see why in this day and age there has been a resurgence in this form of preaching. Too often churches have wittingly or unwittingly offered the gospel as a few principles for life rather than the overarching story of redemption as scripture points to the main theme: Jesus Christ, his work and person.

The issues rasied by the Reformation (the five solas in particular) are not new in scope but they were brought to the forefront by getting back to the heart of the gospel. I’m eager to learn more about the rich history of Reformation Theology and to grow in God’s grace and knowledge as a disciple of Christ. I pray the conference enriches our awe and wonder of the gospel and instills in us a joy that shows concern for each other and the world. Soli Deo Gloria