The Cross of Christ

I recently started a book on the Cross of Christ by C. J. Mahaney. This book addresses the cental issue behind the cross: to save sinners from the punishment they deserve. One aspect of the book that caught my attention so far is how the resurrection now brings the cross to light in a more significant way. Because Jesus took upon on the shame of the cross (with joy set before Him), Christ atoned for the sins of all those who, by the Holy Spirit, come to believe.  The cross is a symbol many wear around their necks, but do people really think about and live as people redeemed by God through the sacrifice once-for-all to save sinners.

I recgonize in my own life that thi is not always the case. Autononmy is the god of this age as it has ever since the Fall of Man. How are we to live with this ever-increasing temptation to view man as the measure? As C.J. points out its living at the foot of the cross and remembering what God ha done by sending His son.

The new year quickly approaches. Reflections on the year on on the minds of many as plans are made for next year. I pray that the crosss grips hearts of Christians as they remember afreh the work of Chrit on the Cross of Calvary. I don’t think will ever grasp ahold of what this means entirely, but God has revealed to us that we need a savior. And He provided that for His children, brought into fellowship with the Father through the Son and applied by the Holy Spirit.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas and consumerism goes together like a pea in a ipod. Last Sunday Pastor David preached on the Advent of Christ on the topic of joy. He linked that with society’s emphasis on materialism and consumerism.  Where is our joy? Is it in the things we buy and feel obligated to buy for other? Or is it in the Gospel of Jesus Christ who, born of the Virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, came to the world to bring salvation? There is a lot of competition nowdays between what we have versus what we put our hope in as we live in the world. I’m grateful for what I have yet I often don’t act like it. As a steward of God’s provision, I act as if I earned what I have. O I pray that this selfish desire would be transformed by God’s Word and his promise to change my heart.

This time of year is difficult for many because of family issues. I’m thankful for my family and friends. This has been a challenging year. I broke up with my girlfriend and my grandpa died this past August. I also started seminary pursuing a call to ministry. Relationships are important. Everyone has parents, whether they are active in one’s life or not. I am also grateful I have a heavenly Father who looks upon me with amazing grace to save a sinner such as I. The way I treat family and friends often exposes the seep rooted selfish desires I have, and it’s difficult to be around family and friends at times because I’m reminded of my shame and guilt in not treating them as I should. i pray for renewal this year. I’ve spent more time with my dad since my grandpa’s death,and I’m learning more about the strengths and weaknesses we share. I see has this plays out in life

Finals are Over

Today marked the end of the fall semester at WSC, and I am excited and a bit shocked that it is over. I picked up the required texts at the book store for the winter courses, but I also want to take a break from the rigors of study and remember the wonderful incarnation of Our Lord and Savior.

I get grade myopia at times, so focused on the grade I get that i forget about why I am at seminary. The goal is to serve God’s church and to pursue this calling further as I’m trained and equipped to serve. I’m not sure how it will all turn out, but I am confident that God’s will be done. Who am I to seek such a high calling for the Gospel of Jesus Christ? I’ve wrestled with this call since 2002, and its amazing that I’m on that path right now.

I have goals to seek an internship whereby I may grow in grace and knowledge and learn how to devolop a style that is uniquely mine yet given by God’s Holy Spirit. I tend to compare myself to others and look down on the gifts God has given me.

Have a Merry Christmas!

One Day More

The title of this post might be familiar to some. It comes from the musical Les Miserables, a gripping story about a man touched by grace and a man condemned by the law. The law he tried so hard to uphold became his demise.

One Day More echoes the fact that I have one more final before the semester at WSC comes to an end. Its hard to believe that I started on July 29th with Greek I and then the fall semester in September.

I’ve learned a lot this fall about the rigors of study and the commitment to pursue ministry as a pastor. Most of the time I get too caught up in how I feel, as if the Schleirmacherian cloud of inner experience becomes the measure of my spiritual life and devotion. Indeed, that is an inward, sinful desire to seek comfort in how I feel rather than looking to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One reason I embraced Reformed Theology is the emphasis on an external revelation, as in meeting a stranger. I pray that I continue to look to Christ and His Word, that I’d be convicted of my sin and, in turn, remember the gospel. If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our hearts.

I’m also looking forward to a break this Christmas to get ready for the winter and spring sessions. May GOd bless you this Christmas season.

My Big Fat Greek Final

The Greek final today challenged me a lot, and I’m grateful that it is over. In the many mood swings I’ve had prior to the test, I am more confident about the importance of knowing the original languages. The nuances in syntax and the rules which govern a particular interpretation are manifold in extent, yet having a better understanding of the Greek helps one to swim in the sea of possible translations available and to narrow the focus of a particular viewpoint.

The exam covered the basics of syntax and translation. Though I felt uncomortable on some answers i gave, I am excited to start Greek III. I am indebted to a graduate of WSC and his gracious encouragement. In the midst of a storm it is hard to see beyond the struggle. I have much to learn as I continue a seminary calling, but I know it is vital in the desire to be a pastor. I have many more questions than when I started, but God is faithful. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you. Matt. 6:33

Final Week

The fall semester at Westminster Seminary is coming quickly to a close. Study for finals is tedious and difficult, but it is my prayer that students at WSC will prepare diligently, keeping in mind the call to ministry. That is, may God’s Gospel be proclaimed in Christ Jesus, who is the focal point of all inspired, inerrant Scripture.

This blog so far has been reflections on my journey to seminary and the desire to be a pastor. In talking with fellow seminarians, I’ve heard talk about the call to ministry a lot. In fact, I’ve expressed the same concern, especially in light of grades and papers. I fall into the temptation of grade myopia. I get so focused on grades that I forget to remember the goal of why I am at WSC. Furthermore, I also get upset with myself for not apprehending certain concepts and lacking the knowledge of organizing a sermon. I get too inward focused and wallow around in my self-pity. O would the Gospel take me away from self- absorbed thoughts and take me to the foot of the cross. I am grateful for this first semester and the faculty of WSC. This is a great institution that is dedicated to the Word, Sacraments and prayer– the ordinary means of grace.