famlifejack's Xanga

Friday, January 18, 2008

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:09:42 GMT

Exodus to

No, not that exodus; I'm simply leaving xanga land behind. It has been a good ride; but it is a dying entity as so many have bailed and gone to myspace and facebook (I made the facebook jump a few months ago).

Neither of those venues are ideal for posting blogs, but visitors to xangaland are becoming rare...so I have made the jump to http://midlandjack.blogspot.com/

Feel free to drop by anytime...but I won't be posting to xanga land anymore (though I'll keep checking my subscriptions!)

Monday, January 14, 2008

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:09:10 GMT

Ever find yourself thinking that someone you've stepped up to the plate and sort-of deserve to be "in-Christ"?

Here's a reminder:

B. B. Warfield on why the gospel is needed for believers:

There is nothing in us or done by us, at any stage of our earthly development, because of which we are acceptable to God. We must always be accepted for Christ’s sake, or we cannot ever be accepted at all. This is not true of us only when we believe. It is just as trust after we have believed. It will continue to be trust as long as we live. Our need of Christ does not cease with our believing; nor does the nature of our relation to Him or to God through Him ever alter, no matter what our attainments in Christian graces or our achievements in behavior may be. It is always on His “blood and righteousness” alone that we can rest.

B. B. Warfield, Works 7:113

Monday, December 31, 2007

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:06:03 GMT

Thoughts as 2007 fades away...

Let’s see…a nuclear-armed country is in chaos; Iraq is improving but still vicious; Afghanistan rages; Darfu continues…a drunk driver kills a mom and four girls just before December 31…

What else? Oh, yeah, the author of the best-selling Your Best Life Now danced with Larry King and would not say/commit that Jesus is the only way to heaven; some (can’t paint with too wide a brush) “emergent” churches join Osteen in circumventing and even denying core ingredients of the gospel. “Open theists” seem to be in decline, but still promote that God is sort-of in charge. And, even as I type those words, I know some reading with say...oh, Jack, "don't judge." To that I reply...read the context of Jesus' words...Yes, (I won't list the references; if you are too lazy to look them up for yourself than you obviously don't really want to think the issue through) He does say "Do not judge" but then He also says "Judge righteous judgment". The context of "Do not judge" reminds us that the way in which we judge others is the way we will be judged (and, don't forget, we all will be judged...non-believers at the Great White Throne and Christians at the judgment seat of Christ {you don't hear much about those because, ah, they aren't "sensitive"...}

But…the gospel is everlasting, and remains true, and is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15). “Christ died for our sins” remains the most important fact; while “love the Lord with all…” remains the greatest commandment.

So I commit to remaining true to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of who calls me narrow-minded, simplistic, old-fashioned, or whatever. I set my heart to strive (though I fall far short) to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, strength.

What are some facts that will make 2008 a potentially pivotal year?

Try these:

***More than two out of three evangelical Christians now live in Asia, Africa, and South America.

***Dinesh D’Souza, in What’s So Great About Christianity defines the atheist strategy regarding children: “Let the religious people breed them, and we will educate them to despise their parents’ beliefs.”

Rantings of a Christian lunatic? Try this, from columnist Christopher Hitchens, an ardent Darwinist: “How can we ever know how many children had their psychological and physical lives irreparably maimed by the compulsory inculcation of faith?” Religion, he writes, has “always hoped to practice upon the unformed and undefended minds of the young. If religious instruction were not allowed until the child had attained the age of reason, we would be living in a quite different world.”

Sometimes these attacks are subtle, sometimes not. Carl Sagan released his trademark slogan on the PBS series “Cosmos” years ago – “The cosmos is all there is or ever was or ever will be.” So? Well, in no way am I suggesting that childrens’ books are written by people intentionally trying to promote atheism; but here’s a quote from The Berenstain Bears’ Nature Guide, “Nature is all that IS, or WAS, or EVER WILL BE.”

Richard Dawkins, in The God Delusion writes, “How much do we regard children as being the property of their parents? It’s one thing to say people should be free to believe whatever they like, but should they be free to impose their beliefs on their children? Is there something to be said for society stepping in? What about bringing up children to believe manifest falsehoods? Isn’t it always a form of child abuse to label children as possessors of beliefs that they are too young to have thought out?”

Philosopher Richard Rorty declares that secular professors in universities ought “to arrange things so that students who enter as bigoted, homophobic religious fundamentalists will leave college with views more like our own.” He states students are fortunate to “have escaped the grip of their frightening, vicious, dangerous parents.” He declares that as professors “we are going to go right on trying to discredit (parents) in the eyes of your children, trying to discredit you in the eyes fo your children, trying to strip your fundamentalist religious community of dignity, trying to make your views seem silly rather than discussable.”

And, in conclusion; a commitment from me, and a question for thee

We are living in dangerous times. From professing Christians we hear more and more of universalism, that all religions lead to the same God, that there is no such thing as Satan, nor hell. The books bought by Christians tend to be self-help, get your best life now themes with a couple “Praise the Lord”s thrown in. Much of our Christian music is all about us, and our feelings, and our needs; rather than focused on Him, the gospel, and the kingdom.

Yes…these are dark days…and they promise to get darker (2 Timothy 3.1-5). But the blessed fact is that the light always shines the brightest against a dark background.

As the salt of the earth, genuine disciples of Jesus will find themselves irritating those outside the faith (and many of those allegedly “inside” the faith). As the light of the world we need to shine for the gospel and for the King.

I recommit myself to striving to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I ask the Lord to help me focus on that which is of “most importance” – the gospel, and to follow with determination, discipline, and desire my mission:

To know Jesus intimately; to love Jesus intensely, and to serve Jesus intentionally.

What are you going to attempt in 2008?

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 18:41:38 GMT

REMEMBER>

As we bask in the afterglow of CHRISTmas, even those who strive to remember "the reason for the season" may be a bit drained. Here's a great reminder to help us stay focused on that which is of "first importance" according to the apostle Paul - the gospel:

Who Started This Christmas Stuff?

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable; and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year - overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened, and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore and she stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified Him."

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 22:56:08 GMT

From our hearts to yours...
Praying you have a wondrous, marvelous CHRISTmas and that 2008 is a year that finds us all "growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." May we all be amazed by the gospel, transformed by the gospel, and sharing the gospel...

And...if you have just a few moments, turn your speakers on, take a breath, and watch (or re-watch) this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyR0lwO-nXc

Friday, December 21, 2007

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 02:20:45 GMT

Brief Review:

"August Rush"

See it!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:51:35 GMT

Let Him...Ask Him

You see them all the time, perhaps especially at this "holy" time of the year. Heads bowed in sadness, shame, sorrow.

Perhaps your head is down today?

The world (and all too many "Christians" - to include some on national television) yells at us to "suck it up", get a healthy self-image, get over it, or some other "stuff" that implies that getting through a time of difficulty is all up to us.

But what does the Word of God say?

This morning I read in Psalm 3:

O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;

many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and

the lifter of my head;

I cried aloud to the LORD, and He answered me from His holy hill.

I marvel at that description of our King...

He does not PUT a shield around us, He IS the shield around us. He IS my glory!

And He IS the lifter of my head.

But there is an apparent prerequisite to Him lifting..."I cried aloud to the LORD, and He answered me..."

Instead of "toughing it out," "sucking it up," "putting on a happy face," I need to cry (pray) to Him, and then He lifts my head.

And I believe that applies also to the prayers we offer on someone elses' behalf.

What better gift to give...than to pray/cry out to God on someone else's behalf...that He would graciously be their shield, and lift up their head?

Friday, December 14, 2007

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:44:23 GMT

Word!

The fact that I agree in total with what follows will "offend" some...but, probably, most won't bother to read what comes next, anyway. But it is well worth reading...and heeding...and if you disagree I respectfully tell you that you are not seeing the general condition of "the church" today.

This is the preface to a new book, In Christ Alone, by Sinclair B. Ferguson and published (and available for purchase) by Reformation Trust (www.reformationtrust.com). The preface is written by Alistair Begg, and here it is: (note - I have added "bold" and color print for the sake of making at least the main points, which are crucial, stand out)

It is hard to conceal the sense of pleasure and privilege that accompanies

the opportunity to write this foreword. Along with so many, I

have found Sinclair Ferguson’s writing to be profoundly helpful. It is hard to believe that twenty-seven years have elapsed since I first read The Christian Life. I remember as a young pastor being sorely tempted to preach my way through that introduction to Christian doctrine because not only was it comprehensive, it was so wonderfully clear. As I read this manuscript,
I found myself employing Ronald Reagan’s memorable line in debating Jimmy Carter in 1980: “There you go again!” Sinclair has done it again!

Here is rich theological content distilled with pastoral care and attention so as to make it accessible to every reader. How else could we explain a chapter on Christian liberty that bears the title “Eating Black Pudding”? As you benefit from each of these fifty short chapters, you may feel as if you have enjoyed the privilege of looking over the professor’s shoulder at a thumbnail sketch of his lecture notes. Or, better still, that you have sat with your pastor as he has encouraged you to see that, in the words quoted from John Calvin, “salvation whole, its every single part is found in Christ” (p. 7).

It is this emphasis that makes the book so timely. One of the signs of aging is the temptation to view all our yesterdays as the good old days and to find in the present more causes for alarm and disappointment than are justified. As Christians, we are not exempt, and some might argue that we are more prone than others to this perspective. In light of that, I now proceed with caution. Is it wrong to suggest that earlier generations were more thoroughly grounded in the gospel, better versed in the Scriptures, and more convinced that a new life in Christ is lived on the pathway of joyful obedience?

How can we possibly tell?

First of all, listen to the present generation talk. I thoroughly enjoy the privilege of addressing students at Christian colleges throughout the country. Their enthusiasm and creativity spur me on, but an accompanying uncertainty and lack of definition in basic Christian doctrine are causes for genuine concern. Some cannot, for example, explain why Mormonism is not Christian because they are unsure of the doctrine of the Trinity. Many appear to be uncertain about the exclusive claims of Jesus, and with the prevailing emphasis on ecology and poverty, many would be hard-pressed to agree with George Smeaton that “to convert one sinner from his way, is an event of greater importance, than the deliverance of a whole kingdom from temporal evil.”

Second, consider what is being read by this generation. If the best sellers tell the story, we are preoccupied with imaginative descriptions of end-time phenomena while searching for ways to live up to our human potential. Books on self-improvement and “how-to” texts on all matters earthly sell in abundance. We are reading about our bodies to the neglect of our souls as we measure success by achievement in the “here and now,” having lost sight of the “then and there.”

Third, hear our loss of focus on the gospel in our songs. This is no comment on musical styles and tastes, but simply an observation about the lyrical content of much that is being sung in churches today. In many cases, congregations unwittingly have begun to sing about themselves and how they are feeling rather than about God and His glory.

What, then, is the antidote to theological vagueness in our students, our books, and our songs?

We need to learn to preach the gospel to ourselves because it is the A to Z of Christianity. We need, as chapter 28 makes clear, to be reminded of the three tenses of salvation. All this and more is accomplished by Dr. Ferguson as he consistently turns our gaze to Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.

We are helped in the process by the work of gospel-saturated hymn writers. Over the centuries, Isaac Watts, John Newton, William Cowper, and many others provided the church with biblical theology in memorable melodic form. Today, men such as Keith Getty and Stuart Townend are doing the same with compositions such as their contemporary hymn that shares its title with this book: “In Christ Alone.” We should be encouraged by the fact that “In Christ Alone” has become something of an anthem for the church in the first decade of this century. As Alex Motyer has rightly observed, "When truth gets into a hymnbook, it becomes the confident possession of the whole church.”

Perhaps all that is necessary to expose the shallowness of our songs and to cause us to praise God as we ought is for pastors and poets and musicians to drink from the same fountain. Then biblical exposition will issue in song and our hymns will be full of the gospel.

It is a double joy to count the author of this book and the writers of this song as my friends, and I can commend both the book and the hymn with gratitude and enthusiasm.

—Alistair Begg

Parkside Church

Cleveland, Ohio

September 2007

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:19:47 GMT

Criticism = Judging (and that's okay)

I continue to be amazed at the number of Christians who think, whenever anything negative is said, that one is "judging," and thereby sinning. Not so. Of course they will say that Jesus said "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Which is true - but, guess what, we all will be judged...non-believers at the great white throne; followers of Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ. Read the context, folks. What Jesus is clearly saying is that the way we judge people will be the way the Lord judges us!

In other words, if we are nitpicky, Jesus will be nitpicky on us. If we understand that "overlooking a matter" can be a good thing; the Lord will be overlooking us.

Besides, this same Jesus said, "judge righteous judgment." How do we know if we are judging righteously? To me the answer is simple - if I find joy in judging; I am sinning; if it is painful to judge, I am probably okay.

And, in order to criticize, one must judge. Criticism is not necessarily a bad thing; but can be done in a bad way. All too often I am guilty!

Read this yesterday by Mark Dever. It is well worth reading; I plan to read it at least weekly as a reminder to myself. Perhaps it will be of help to you also?

The Five Points of Criticism by Mark Dever

Proverbs 26:27 says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." I think that Christians, and especially pastors, should have words which reflect hearts of wisdom and love toward those we speak to. And it's in reference to those obligations and opportunities we have (and out of my own mistakes in doing this well!) that I offer the five points of criticism. Here are several ideas on HOW criticism is best offered:

1. Directly, not indirectly. If you're anything like me, you might have a temptation to imply something, to presume something, to do anything to avoid a direct confrontation. Be very careful, however, before adopting this pattern, especially in criticism. If you're not careful, you'll have people regularly looking at your words and asking themselves what you "really mean."

2. Seriously, not humorously. Again, I might want to give some piece of advice through a humorous aside, but I probably am giving criticism this way because of my own fear of man. I want them to like me, and so I don't want to directly confront them. I want to be able to dismiss my own words if their cost proves higher to me than I had estimated. And humor can appear to be a useful vehicle for this. I can disown the words I've spoken, explaining them merely as humor if they're not received well. I should know better. I should know that if something is worth correcting, I should show respect to the other person by taking it seriously. I should never joke about something I'm really concerned about in someone else, without first having spoken seriously to them about it.

3. As if it's important, not casually. Similar to the previous point, but distinct, is the idea that the other person deserves me to give a certain level of importance to the issue, or I probably shouldn't be offering them correction at all. Eleazar Savage has a wise section (pp. 487-490) in the book of books (Polity) on minor offenses that we as Christians should simply bear with in each other. Don't use up the other person's emotional energy on criticizing them if the matter isn't really very significant.

4. Privately, not publicly. A remark around other people could have negative effects on other people's opinion of the one you are offering criticism to. You probably won't have the opportunity to follow up with all of them about the nature and reasons of your criticism. Your friend will probably only struggle more with fear of man issues, having those confused with the merits of the criticism you have offered. Now your friend may well be left open to the Evil One tempting him to be distracted by what this or that person will think of him. You honor your friend better by offering the criticism in private.

5. Out of love for them, not to express your feeling or frustration. It's interesting how my "honesty" can sometimes be inspired by my own frustration. Good criticism should not be "my frustration"-driven, but "your need" driven. If I ever offer a friend criticism it should be in the time and manner that will best serve them, not that is most convenient and emotionally satisfying for me. One way we show that love is by sincerely encouraging them (not flattering them) in areas where God's grace is clear in our friend's life. The more they can believe that we mean this for their good, that we love them, and see real good in them, the less open they are to pridefully dismissing our criticism.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:01:40 GMT

The times, they are a changin'

Ah, Bob Dylan songs. Near as I can figure the guy couldn’t sing; but, wow, could he write! If you have no idea to what I refer, the "headline" is from a Dylan song...

Anyway, this is an “announcement”. This has been an about-three-months long thinking/praying/discussing project:

The Lord has led Jane and I to a decision. We have resigned, effective in the spring (all things being equal), from Family Life and have accepted the call to join the staff of Midland Ministries in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The plan is to not move and change ministries until May of 2008.

Obviously this was a decision bathed in prayer, counsel, and “time.” We are confident that this is the Lord’s will for our lives; to return to “just” a youth ministry and to be free to pursue and do that which the Lord has equipped, called and burdened me – primarily preaching/teaching, discipling students, encouraging staff, assisting in training in things like deputation, Bible quizzing, youth meetings; writing; and more. As part of the “job description” at Midland Ministries I will be free to travel to other ministries and areas (to include New York!) for speaking/training/Bible quizzing etc.

I will be sending out more information, hopefully, before the end of the year.

But we continue to work at Family Life, and of course am hopeful that our supporters will continue also!

And, yes, we will continue to subsist solely on missionary support as we move to Missouri. It is our hope and expectation that our support team will make the move with us as we will be continuing, and even expanding, our ongoing ministry to youth and youth leaders.

But there are several immediate things I’d ask you to add to your prayer list:

1) Sale of existing home (thank God, He is bigger than economic projections and so forth!)

2) Understanding of all concerned; I don’t want anyone to think we are leaving Family Life in a huff, or because of any dissatisfaction with the overall scope of ministry etc. God has blessed and opened doors for the radio ministry to hugely "impact lives with the message of hope" and it has been a privilege to serve with Family Life for two decades

3) That our financial support base would not be adversely impacted by this move. (by the way, I’m grateful we “get” to continue on support and that leaving support for a “salary” was not an issue!)

4) That especially Janelle would adjust to the move. I’m glad the Lord is doing this while she is 13 and not 16! Jacob, at five, we think will be flexible!

5) That the Lord would raise up someone, or a few someones, to oversee Bible quizzing here at Family Life. The main reason we are staying until May is to help close out the seasons well, to oversee the National Tournament trip in April, and to hopefully put people in place to keep the program going and growing (Midland Ministries has an effective Quiz program also, with which I will be helping)

Should you have any questions, please contact me.

Thank you so much for your prayers particularly regarding this decision, and your tremendous input into our lives and ministry over these years.

I am an abundantly blessed man – first to be forgiven and “in Christ,” second to be blessed with such a wonderful wife and family; third to be called to full-time, vocational ministry; and certainly to be connected to folks like you.