Tongues in Cheek

In the latest book I’m reading about challenges churches face the Apostle Paul brings up the importance of spiritual gifts for the edification of the Body of Christ. One gift that gets a lot of attention is speaking in tongues. I’ve always been wary of that gift, especially since Paul talks about having an interpreter to be present. I had one experience during a prayer meeting where a lady spoke in tongues, and it sounded like gibberish, an incomprehensible utterance about only God knows what. I’ve heard some talk as though you are a lower rank Christian if you don’t have this gift. This flies in direct opposition to unity and building up the church to act as representatives of our risen Lord and Savior.

We even have churches in the Reformed persuasion that are decidedly charismatic yet hold to sound teaching in regard to those gifts. It’ a more tempered approach to the continuance of gifts for those who are blessed in that way.  Sovereign Grace Ministries comes to mind in regard to this type of doctrine.  Charismatic teaching pertain to those gifts but are not limited to speaking in tongues, yet the perception of the churching public, like myself, see abuses of those gifts on television or in churches that elevate the status of a particular gift.  Some think you are charismatic if you raise your hand or do something that would distract others from worshipping God. I liked the interview Mars Hills Church had with Bob Kauflin about his role as worship director. I enjoyed hearing him speak positively about sound doctrine and that worship leaders need to be immersed in sound doctrine, not to reach an ivory tower but to lead God’s people in worship. he alone is worthy to receive praise, glory and honor. Church is not a place to put on a performance. Sometimes i see why some churches scoff at worship teams and those on stage who lead worship with a style all too familiar with the world. The goal is to magnify and exalt the person and work of Jesus Christ not to put on a show. When i went to Christ Reformed Church in Santee i noticed a more formal style of worship with the singing of psalms. For some this style seems dry and stale.  I enjoyed the service when i attended a couple of times over a year ago. I pray that I’d be illumined by your Word and come to theological convictions about where i stand and how that applies to where I’d want to be a minister of the Word and sacrament.

Church Challenges

I enjoy reading a lot; it’s something I look forward to on a regular basis. I desire to grow as a disciple in God’s grace and knowledge and reading is a big part of that goal. Lately, I started a book by Mark Dever about 12 challenges churches face. This book looks at 1 Corinthians and expounds the text to show how the challenges Corinth faced then are the same for us today. Ever since God called me to be one of His sons, I have had an insatiable desire to learn about the peculiar nature of church and how important it is in the life of a Christian. Because I’ve battled loneliness and inrospection bordering on self-absorption, I’ve seen how the challenges pastor Dever has talked about impact the vitality of the church.

Missional Community

Tuesday night at Kaleo is set aside for what we call missional community. It is a time to reflect on the sermon we heard the previous Sunday and to join together in spirit and truth living on mission for God, His church, and His Word.  I’m helping out as an apprentice, seeking to grow as a leader and expositor of God’s Word. I realize at times that I speak in a monologue, eager to share about the text of Scripture. I also aim to know the other brothers and sisters in our missional community. This takes patience and time, and it seems like a daunting task. However, I’m reminded that I often get Gospel amnesia and have an agenda based on fear rather than love. Certain things trigger in my the idols of my heart, and I pray that I rest in God’s truth, loving and serving Him so that I’m equipped to share the Gospel with others.

last night we looked at the parable of the prodigal son, discussing more about the younger sons disobedience and juxtaposing that attitude with the gracious love of the father.  We had a solid discussion about repentance, faith, grace, and restoration; the parable itself displays the active pursuit of the son and celebrates with a party when one sinner turns to God. I also had a chance after the group to talk with other brothers and to share in God’s word, reminding each other of His love but also His wrath.  There we see the glorious scandal of the cross and the substionary atonement of Christ. However awful it seems (in the sense that it brings humility and gratitude) this doctrine is ignored for a more felt need example for us to follow.  I pray that the concerns we shared yesterday are lifted up in prayer for wisdom and strentgh as we look to Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Passwords

I’m relatively new to the computer world and I’ve recently had problems remembering my passwords. I use the internet on many sites, and they all seem to have passwords to gain entry into the site. It’s frustrating at times because there is so much info to keep track of on a daily basis.  Thy Word I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against you, O Lord. With all the entertainment we have in society, and the proclivity to fill our minds with loads of trivia, my prayer is that we meditate on God’s precepts and law and His glorious Gospel. Ohow easy we forget about what Christ has done on Calvary.

Forgetting seems to be a result of the widespread data we deal with on a daily basis. Discipline and training require diligence and commitment to study and to abiding in God’s promises, and its not easy. Our casual culture finds comfort in not thinking and would rather clothe ourselves in a T-shirt theology. Its not about putting on our Sunday best, but being clothed in Christ’s righteousness. God looks at the heart not our outward appearance.

The Young and The Reformed

I just finished Colin Hansen’s book The Young, Restless and Reformed. This book stemmed from an article he wrote for Christianity Today about a resurgence of Reformed theology among younger evangelicals. My journey into Reformed Theology began in march of 2004. I was up late listening to KPRZ, a local radio station that plays Christian shows. The host of the show spoke eloquently, used words I’m familiar with, and presented thelogogical teachings I hadn’t heard of before. Excited about this new discovery, I began to listen regularly. The next few shows I finally realized the host was R. C. Sproul.

Its hard to believe that over four years have gone by since that first encounter with what is called Reformed Theology. I’ve even learned that there are many distinctions among those who call them selves reformed. Another term I learned is that this can also be lumped under the term Calvinism. For awhile I became weary of using this term, afraid of what others might think and reluctant to perhaps start a debate, which in some circles are extremely acrimonious. The blogs are ablaze in debate about this issue, but I was encouraged to see how Colin chronicled his journey in reporting about this new interest in dead theologians.  There are other movements in church history that use names of prominent theologians, but I like what Spurgeon says. Calvinism is a nickname for Biblical Christianity. I’ve been afraid to use this term but I also find that I need to assert where I am theologically on the map.  Together 4 the Gospel is a group I admire that covers a broad view of Reformed ideas. There are differences among them in regard to issues of baptism and spiritual gifts, but there is an uncompromising grip on the power of the Gospel to save sinners.  Theology doesn’t save anyone: it’s by putting one’s trust in the Gospel, to repent and have faith in what Christ has done to redeem a people for Himself and for His glory.

Blog Away

The technology we have as a society is mind-boggling, and I find myself lost in a sea of indecision. What do I look at now in what seems like an endless stream of information and ideas. I enjoy writing however I am not very consistent in this endeavor. I’m preparing for seminary this fall and I am a bit scared. Will i be able to stay focused and pursue this call to ministry or will I succumb to the vagaries of sin and its forceful grip. yet I’m reminded of what Christ has done on the cross to redeem such a sinner as myself. I need His grace to live a life that would be worthy of His Gospel. O wretched man that I am, but O How great a Saviour I have. he reigns and is Lord. This is also a great way to write and practice for seminary, which will include a lot of papers, essays, and research projects.

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