Discipleship

Recently I signed up for a prison ministry called Crossroads Bible Institute, a reformed outreach to inmates who are being exposed to the Gospel and are going through basics of Christianity. This ministry uses people to correct lessons the priosoners work through to help them grow in their relationship with Christ and also proclaim the gospel to them. I received my first lesson last week. I realized in many ways that I need this ministry just as much as the inmates. I need the gospel and the person and work of Christ to grow in holiness and to rest in His promises. I pray that this ministry will reach out to priosoners and encourge them to grow as disiples of Christ

I realize, though i am not in jail, that sin creates a bondage; it affects how I think and desires its own way rather than seeking Christ who frees me from the dominion of sin. Soren Kiergegard once quipped that man is dizzy in his freedom. Life may see like a series of repeated actions that actually enslave us. It is through Christ and the Gospel that ought to give a disicple freedom to live in the grace and mercy of God.

I pray for the inmates who are part of CBI, and may the Holy Spirit quicken their hearts to receive God’s free grace for the forgiveness of sins and to live a life worthy of the gospel.

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Wisdom and Christian Liberty

A new series for chapel atWSC started this semester, and the topic of discussion and exposition is wisdom literature and Christian liberty. The book of Proverbs is a book rich with the warnings to avoid folly and to seek wisdom, as I believe, is summed up by Pro. 1:7, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.”

It’s easy to look at the proverbs in a moralistic and legalistic framework. As we seek and proclaim Christ, we are reminded that our goal is to fear Him and obey His commandments, as per Ecc. 12:10.  Prof Van Ee exposited proverbs 20:1 in a clear and exciting way, which made me think about the dangers of alcohol abuse and how that intersects with Christiian liberty. Wine ia a mocker and beer is a brawler, and those led astray by them will not become wise. Not only are the immediate effects seen, but wisdom in the future is also ignored, even sometimes under the guise of Christian liberty.  The issue of alcohol consumption has been a hotly debated topic, and it has led to many a heated dispute within the church. In my walk with the Lord I have seen the temptation to swing between two extremes: a legalistic condemnation of drinking or an antinomian, lack of awarneness for the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts one of sin.

There have been times when I have been overwrought with guilt because I had a drink, and there have been times when I have overindulged while ignoring the Spirit’s prompting to examine my behavior and to repent of my excesses. It’s amazing that in both cases I end up loosing sight of Christ’s work on the cross and His promise of new life.  Using our liberty in Christ ought to be for His glory and kingdom. To neglect the care of a fellow believer for my own benefit is selfish; in fact, it puts my own interests above another.

There is a lot to consider about this issue, but I pray there will be spiritual discernment in how one uses their freedom in Christ. Whether one eats or drinks, may it be done for the glory of God.

MIA

Its been awhile since I blogged last, however, as I reflect on the summer, I praise God for His faithfulness and goodness. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, on a rescue mission to save sinners from their just punishment and to shower His love on recipients of his grace.  Work is a creation mandate. Since the garden, Adam had charge of tilling, naming, and working in God’s presence.

This summer Pro Golf Discount, a retail chain out of Seattle, decided to shut down operations in San Diego. As a result, I will be laid off this month. I harbored a lot of anger and resentment when I heard about the decision to close, selfishly wanting it not to happen because I deemed it a positive job while attending seminary. I was upset because I had a desire that turned into a demand, which in turn became a disapointment.  May I work as unto the Lord as PGD closes, and rejoice that God has provided another job.

Its good to be back at WSC.