tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36428962173843338382024-03-05T11:52:15.934-08:00Savoring Christ and Living WellGreg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-7503503646188265982014-06-05T08:52:00.004-07:002014-06-05T08:52:47.469-07:00Motivations I have been blessed, to be in the ministry about sixteen years. I have enjoyed over 10 years in Dodge City. I think it is fair to say I have learned a lot of things about the church and ministry. I have learned some of these lessons the hard way and continue to learn them through the fire. Here is a list of a few items I have learned over the years. For me, this is a short list of the truths I believe should motivate a local church. Here it goes with little or no commentary:
1. It is all about the glory of God and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
2. The gospel must infuse everything we say and do.
3. This is Jesus’ church and He will build it.
4. There is one God and I am not Him (and I am fairly certain He is not a member of any church I have pastored.)
5. The church is made up of sinful selfish saints.
6. Our natural tendency is always to focus on the inside of the church. We must continually force ourselves out of our comfort zone and look externally to reach others in Jesus’ name. I am reminded of a quote by C.S. Lewis, "In the same way the Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose"
7. Each one of us must give an account of everything we do and say in this body. Everything will be tested by fire. Therefore, live well.
8. Heaven and Hell are real eternal destinations and must motivate us to communicate the gospel to everyone and with urgency.
9. Our Sunday gathering is our primary time of corporate worship but not our primary area of spiritual transformation. The primary place of transformation must be in self-feeding and small groups.
10. Prayer fuels the work of the church. Prayerlessness is sin.
Here is one extra one to consider:
11. We must stop making converts and do what Jesus commanded: Make disciples!
What do you think? I would love to hear what motivates you in ministry? If you are a lay person, let me know what you think. This is in no way designed to be an exhaustive list. The focus is more about the church and not ministry as a whole. Let me know what you would add.
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-24096151954405053722014-04-04T08:20:00.001-07:002014-04-04T08:20:08.879-07:00A Quick Introduction to the Gospel of John If a person would press me to choose one book of the Bible as my favorite, I would have to choose the Gospel of John. I hope you have decided to join me as I read the Gospel of John in 21 days. As you begin reading John’s Gospel, I wanted to give you a few simple insights on this wonderful Gospel. The first thing you will notice is how different John’s Gospel is compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). It is believed John wrote at a time after the other three gospels were being circulated and he wanted to create unique and different gospel. Over 90% of its material is unique. Clement of Alexandria (ca AD 150-215) calls John’s gospel a “Spiritual Gospel” (MacArthur).
When you begin to read the gospel, you will notice it is an anonymous gospel. External evidence is one way scholars attempt to authenticate the author. Early church tradition identifies the Apostle John as its creator. Irenaeus (ca AD 130-200) writes “John, the disciple of the Lord, who leaned on his breast, also published the Gospel while living in Ephesus” (Dictionary of Jesus pg 369). Irrenaeus was a disciple of Polycarp who was a disciple of John and Polycarp testified to the Apostle John as the book’s author. Clement of Alexadria (ca AD 155-220) asserts, “John, perceiving that the bodily facts had been made plain in the Gospels, being urged by his friends, composed a spiritual gospel” (Dictionary of Jesus pg 369). While some have disputed this quote as legendary, there can be no mistake, “Subsequent to Irenaeus, all the church fathers assumed John to be the gospel’s author” (John MacArthur pg 339).
We can also examine internal evidence to pinpoint the author. John 21:24 tells us that a disciple testified to the things he wrote down. I find it interesting that the Synoptic Gospels are filled with references to John while the Gospel of John never names him directly. Could it be that John is the “disciple who Jesus loved?” The absence of John’s name in the Gospel is amazing when one considers the prominent role John played in the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples. As John MacArthur writes, “Since the gospel’s author is exacting in mentioning the names of other characters in the book, if the author had been someone other than John the apostle, he would not have omitted John’s name” (MacArthur). While we can’t be completely dogmatic on John as the author, I think the witness of church history and the fact that an unnamed disciple, with apparent knowledge of the “inner circle,” wrote the Gospel point to John the apostle as its author.
The timing of the writing of the Gospel is under some debate. Generally, it is accepted that John wrote the Gospel sometime between ca 80-90 AD. This would place the writing after the fall of the Temple, the martyrdom of Paul and Peter, and during the time of Domitian. There are a few noticeable inner verses which may help us date the gospel. The fact that John used the phrase “Sea of Tiberias” referring the Sea of Galilee point to a later date as this phrase was ony widely used toward the end of the first century. Also, John 21:19 says, “He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God.” This statement has a ring of hindsight. It seems to me John is writing this verse with knowledge of the type of martyrdom Peter received. Finally, Thomas’ great confession “My Lord and my God” could be a statement against emperor worship during Domitian’s reign. Furthermore, the lack of reference to the Sadducees which ceased to be a Jewish religious group after AD 70 supports a later date for the gospel.
As you study the book this month, here are a few other notable helps:
<b>Purpose:</b> John 20:31 “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” The gospel is both evangelistic and apologetic. Its primary purpose was to identify Jesus as the Son of God and that by doing so people would believe in Him and turn to faith and eternal life. It is the most theological of the gospels. He goes to great lengths to show the deity of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit, and importance of personal belief.
<b>Seven Signs:</b> the Gospel of John revolves around 7 signs before His crucifixion to “display His glory” and to make sure “His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11). Take a moment to look up the seven signs: Water into wine (2:1-2), Healing a nobleman’s son (4:46-54), Healing of a lame man (5:1-17), Feeds 5000 (6:1-14), Walks on water (6:15-21), Heals a blind man (9:1-14), Raises Lazarus from the dead (11:17-45).
<b>I am Statements:</b> John also confirms Jesus’ deity through 7 “I am” statements. In Greek, it is ego eimi or literally “self-identify in self-sufficiency.” In a phrase Jesus proclaims his pre-existence and his deity. You can see for instance the Jew’s reaction to Jesus when he said, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). They picked up stones to kill him because of blaspheme. Take a look at the seven “I am” statements: (I am the bread of life (6:35, 41, 48, 51), I am the light of the world (8:12), I am the Door (10:7,9), I am the Good Shepherd (10:11,14), I am the Resurrection and the Life (11:25), I am the way, the truth, and the life (14:6), I am the true vine (15:1,5).
<b>Key Words:</b> Believe, Word, Eternal life, Lamb of God, born again
<b>My favorite verse:</b> This changes year by year. Currently I pray John 3:30 for myself every day. I realize John said these profound words and then received a beheading. Amazing! He prayed to decrease and Herod cut his head off. Probably not the way I want to decrease but an amazing statement of John’s faithfulness to God and His Kingdom. What have you lost for the sake of the Kingdom? What are you losing? Is there really any way to follow Christ without losing or without decreasing?
<b>Names of Christ in John 1:</b> I know most of you have already read chapter 1. It might be worth reading again. As you do, try and find the different names or descriptions of Christ. Here is my list (Don’t look yet. Compare to what you have. If you find others, let me know): Word, God, Life, Light, One and Only, full of grace and truth, Jesus, Christ (Messiah), Lord, Lamb of God, Son of God, Rabbi, one Moses wrote about, Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph, King of Israel, Son of man.
The gospel of John is so very rich. It’s depth cannot be fully mined in years of reading much less in one reading. Venture into the deep end as you examine the riches of the Gospel. Each day read the corresponding chapter and post the verse God uses in your life for that day. Write a short commentary to bless your reader.
Here is list of great questions to ask yourself as you read:
Operation Lydia Plan
1. What did you like about the passage you read?
2. What did you no like about it? What bothered you?
3. What did you not understand about it? (Email me if you have questions)
4. What did you learn about God from it?
5. What do you personally need to do about it?
6. What phrase or sentence from this passage would you like to think about this week?
As you dive into the Gospel of John, here is something very simple to remember:
Years of Jesus’ Ministry: 3-3.5 years
<b>Period 1:</b> Baptism – John’s Imprisonment – The Synoptic Gospels spend very little time in this period. John spends the first five chapters in the time period.
<b>Period 2:</b> John’s Imprisonment – Peter’s Confession – This is the bulk of information in the Synoptic Gospels and only chapter 6 in the Gospel of John.
<b>Period 3: </b>Peter’s Confession – Jesus’ Ascension – All Gospels have much to say about this period of Jesus’ life. In John, this last period begins in chapter 7. After Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, it was time for Jesus to teach them more about His death and resurrection and move toward Jerusalem and his impending death.
I pray you will be blessed as you read the Gospel of John. Enjoy your time in scripture. Don’t worry about read too fast. Slow down. Enjoy the Gospel at the same speed of drinking a wonderful cup of coffee instead of drinking in the word as one would drink out of a fire hydrant. If you have questions about the gospel, please contact me. If I don’t know the answer, I will do some research and get back with you. Remember, we read not to get something from the Father, but we read because it is the Father.
Short Bibliography
The MacArthur Bible Handbook
Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels
Holman Bible Atlas
Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts
Jesus and the Gospels Craig Blomberg
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-77001652190248153452014-03-05T13:19:00.003-08:002014-03-05T13:19:23.742-08:00What should we do with Lent? “Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. 5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? 6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? 7 Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation” (Psalm 85:4-7)
Southern Baptists are never sure what they should do with the Lenten Season. As they look into the foreheads of many of their friends, they wonder why, they too, do not have the sign of the cross in ashes upon their heads. Most Baptists simply believe it is an antiquated religious act with little or no meaning. However, for the true worshiper, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a deeply reflective period of renewal and worship. It is a time to prepare their heart, soul and mind to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The sign of the cross is a symbolic reminder of their own mortality, their heart of repentance toward God, and their heart’s mourning on the reality of the cost of sin. Do not throw away this tradition without prayerfully considering how you might be able to grow spiritually this Lent.
Should Southern Baptists observe lent? There is absolutely nothing unscriptural about observing a time of reflection and renewal. In fact, we can see it modeled in many ways in scripture and in historic Christianity. Like anything, what is your motive in observing Lent? Do you fast to forsake unrighteousness and aid in your transformational journey or do you fast to earn the favor of God and the praise of men? Performing righteous deeds to gain favor of God or praise of men is a complete waste of your time. Doing acts of righteousness as an aid in your godliness, can be both beautiful and beneficial. You must humble yourself before the Creator of the Universe and long to know Him more. Be intentional during this time leading up to Easter. Take a second to prayerful consider implementing the following five exercises into your life this Lenten season. Be careful, they are habit forming.
1. <b>Simplify Your Life</b> – During this time leading up to Easter, consider fasting from something that creates and chaos in your life. This would be a wonderful way to figure out what you might fast from during Lent. Ask yourself a couple of questions:
a. What worldly possessions most come between you and God?
b. If a person could spend a normal week with you, what would they say you loved most of all? Anything but God is a wrong answer.
C. Will you be bold enough to ask God to search you, and know your heart; test you and know your anxious thoughts (see Psalm 139:23-24). Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Be honest and humble before him. Write down all He shows you; “Repent therefore and turn, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
2. <b>Sanctify Your Time</b> – Schedule a focused period of daily prayer, Bible Study, and meditation. Remember, everyone has time for what is most important to them. What would happen if you gave God your first 30 minutes of everyday during Lent? You may have to get off Facebook, turn off your TV, or even put down your favorite fiction novel to sanctify your time.
3. <b>Honor a Sabbath’s rest</b>. God gave us the model and mandate to rest. Our full rest is found in Christ. However, we still need to lighten up! It’s ok to take a day off to renew your batteries.
4. <b>Silence and Solitude</b> – During Lent, find at least 3 times to have an extended period with God. Turn off all technology. Spend at least an hour in silence and solitude before God. If you really feel adventurous, dedicate a four hour extended period with God. Bring music, devotions, Bible, journal and let the Holy Spirit lead your time.
5. <b>Saturate your world with kindness and grace</b> – Christians should be the most kind and gracious people on the face of the earth. Find ways to be kind. Show people grace. Get creative with various ways to show others kindness and grace. There are myriad of ways to express God’s kindness and grace to others. As you spread kindness and grace, begin to invest in lives and impacting them for eternity; invite them to your Easter celebration.
Awe-inspiring. Overwhelming. Intense. Marvelous. Life changing. Amazing. Extraordinary. If these words better describe your supper last night and not your journey with God, it might be time for your to set apart time to renew your spiritual walk with God, to refresh your spiritual battery and to reflect upon the sacrifice of our Passover Lamb. The Lenten season may be a perfect time for you to renew and refresh your walk. For some, you may have to make drastic cuts in your life to afford the opportunity to put God first in your life and seek Him above all else. For others, you may simply need to realign your life to create an environment of transformation. For many it is more about placing good things in their proper order so you are able to place God things in their rightful place. Remember the general rule of spiritual growth: You will never drift toward God. If you do nothing, you will always drift away from God. Use this time to transform your life. Lent can be a perfect occasion to create new habits and to cut away damaging or wasteful habits. In April, I will encourage our church to a 21 Day Journey in the Gospel of John. This will be one tool we will use to draw closer to God and prepare for our Easter celebration. What will you use? If I would have used the calendar better, I would have given up business meetings for Lent. Maybe next year!
For His glory!
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-72354356369928994362014-01-09T13:52:00.000-08:002014-01-09T13:52:03.735-08:00Jesus is the Christ Here are some Old Testament Prophecies that help prove Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God:
Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God: (read on)
Even my friend in whom I trusted, one who ate my bread, as lifted his heel against me (Ps 41:9)
Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered (Zch 13:7)
I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spitting (Is 50:6)
They pierced my hands and my feet (Ps 22:16)
Everyone who see me mocks me; they sneer and shake their heads; He relies on the Lord; let Him rescue; let the Lord deliver him, since He takes pleasure in him (PS 22:7-8)
They gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink (Ps 69:21)
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me (Ps 22:14)
Yet He Himself bore our sickness, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded HIm stricken, struck down by God and afflicted (Isa 53:4)
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth (Is 53:7)
They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing (Ps 22:18)
He submitted Himself to death (Isa 53:12)
You may not break any of its bones (Ex 12:46)
He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken (Ps 34:20)
They will look at me whom they pierced (Zch 12:10)
For you will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not follow Your Faithful One to see the Pit (Ps 16:10)
You ascended to the heights, taking away captives; You received gifts from people, even from the rebellious so that the Lord God might live there (Ps 68:18)
The Lord declared to my Lord; Sit at my right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool (Ps 110:1)
<b>Peter affirms this in his first sermon when he writes:
</b>
Acts 2:22-25
22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Acts 2:36
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
What will you do with this information?
Acts 3:19-20
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
The amazing grace and love of God are both incomprehensible. Thank you God!!
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-327456933988963742013-10-31T08:47:00.001-07:002013-10-31T08:47:40.931-07:00Random Thoughts on Halloween Like it or not, October 31st comes around every year. For many Christians, it is a day they dread. They can’t wait to go home, turn off their porch light, lock up their doors, revel in their personal holiness while watching an unchurched world walk past our doors. They get some sort of satisfaction believing they are standing strong in their faith while criticizing three year olds dressed up like Willie on “Duck Dynasty.” But are they really missing one of the best opportunities to show a lost world the love of our Savior? How can a Christian redeem the holiday?
Halloween has become big business. I heard this week Halloween is the second largest holiday behind Christmas. The candy sales on Halloween are second only to Easter and quickly catching up. The church has an amazing opportunity to be a light in a lost world.
We must remember going door-to-door with our children dressed in a costume asking for candy doesn’t cause us to worship Satan any more than when a family opens Christmas presents, attends church for the only time of the year, and eats too much for lunch worships Christ. Worship is a matter of the heart. Remember, “this is the day (yes even October 31) the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). How can a Christian redeem the day for the glory of God?
The world is coming to you. Be missional!! For 364 days you have been thinking of how you can reach your neighbors with the love of Jesus. Tonight your neighbors come to you! Halloween is the one day of the year the world comes to you. Welcome them. Be inviting. Be positive. Smile!! By all means don’t be cheap. Give quality candy (and you know if you hand out cheap candy). If you hand out a tract, please give them candy too. Create an environment where the children want to come back. Don’t criticize the young boy dressed as a zombie. Instead, have fun with him. Enjoy seeing his smile. Step back as if you were scared and help make a memory for the little child.
Too often, Christians spend Halloween shouting to a lost world the 101 things we hate about Halloween. It is a little ironic, Christians talk more about Satan and bring more attention to him, than the average American celebrating Halloween. Allow Halloween to be a day we let people know what we are for. We are for families. We are for moms and dads spending quality time with their children. We are for families creating life-long memories. We love families and love seeing families laughing and playing together. For 99% of the people who take part in Halloween, the night means nothing more than an evening of family fun, fellowship, tons of candy, and a few upset stomachs. Redeem the day.
Be prayerful. As families come to your home, pray for them. Ask the Spirit of God to work in them and love on them. Pray for God’s blessing upon their family and home. Ask God to open a door of opportunity. Ask Him for a chance to tell someone about the supremacy of the gospel. Once again, they are coming to you. Why in the world would we not take advantage of this opportunity? What would happen if you made some hot cider and/or coffee and offered it to the parents? What would happen if they would stay and talk with you for even a few seconds? Be kind tonight.
Use Halloween as an opportunity to enjoy your family, spread the light of Christ, and impact and influence a very dark world. Have fun and be a blessing tonight to someone. Get creative. Be prayerful and missional!
For the glory of God!
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-51435215700717027412013-08-14T09:19:00.001-07:002013-08-14T09:19:23.305-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJEdfi9N_6mWDtuV4KyX5QdwyYry0bVmQ35CY0AW-8nIkOoDsvQzKjOBkXNWjkRWc9HQw6PXjCFSU4MV7K5AP3KX6VdMcXdxthotmsOkl77xDy7J7M9BibRqHtK9ZDuX1dVOFkJsmRuQ/s1600/IMG_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJEdfi9N_6mWDtuV4KyX5QdwyYry0bVmQ35CY0AW-8nIkOoDsvQzKjOBkXNWjkRWc9HQw6PXjCFSU4MV7K5AP3KX6VdMcXdxthotmsOkl77xDy7J7M9BibRqHtK9ZDuX1dVOFkJsmRuQ/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" /></a></div>
It's time for me to begin to update and actually write on this blog. Here is my beautiful and amazing family. I am so proud of Kaitlyn, our daughter-in-law. She graduated from Kansas State in May. If all goes well, my oldest son, Brennan, will graduate in December. My middle son, Austin (the one with the beard), will be a senior this year. He will be playing football in a couple of days. I have already started praying for his safety. Hannah, my beautiful, 16 year old daughter is a complete joy. She is in pretty great "like" with a young man. I am still trying to get used to that fact. My wife, Heidi (thankfully she does not have a beard), is one of the most amazing people I know. She is a beautiful and godly wife and mother. God blessed me beyond anything I can imagine with my family.
I'm going to try and write at least once a week. Some will just be random thoughts I have about my faith, my church, and my family. My hope is to point you to the joy of the Lord. Keep looking back. Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-78808835952564011182013-02-21T07:45:00.003-08:002013-02-21T07:45:32.588-08:00Blizzard of 2013 and Church Growth As I am sitting here and contemplating the blizzard of 2013, I can’t help but think about how much like church growth a blizzard is. I am thinking about all the driveways and sidewalks I hope to dig out for people. For many months, we have prayed earnestly for snow. We know the harvest in June is dependent about the winter snow. It is always interesting to hear people complain about how God answers our prayers. I hope most of my church genuinely desires church growth. If it comes like a blizzard, are we willing to work through the inconvenience and headaches growth will, not might, cause our church. Is the promise of a future harvest worth the pain and hassle today?
• We pray for snow but don’t like a blizzard. We pray for our church to grow but don’t like a lot of growth.
• We like snow in amounts that are helpful for our farmers but do not inconvenience us too much. We honestly desire our church to grow. We just want the growth to be at a pace that doesn’t inconvenience us. Blizzards are amazingly inconvenient. Church growth is amazingly inconvenient.
• Many of those who pray for snow are the first and loudest to complain about a blizzard. Many of those who pray for the church to grow are the first to complain about not having their “reserved” pew on Sunday morning.
• At the harvest, some will rejoice and remember the blizzard with fondness and gratefulness to our God. Some will think they are amazing farmers because of the huge harvest. Most won’t think about the harvest at all. When our church sees a great harvest, some will look back on fondness and gratefulness at how great God’s grace is. Some will think about how special they are and how great our church has become to see such amazing growth. Most won’t consider the spiritual harvest at all.
• In a blizzard, we see the family work together to dig out, to get through, and enjoy the inconvenience of the blizzard. In church growth, we will see the family of God come together to dig out, get through and enjoy the inconvenience of church growth. It will be different in a larger church, but you don’t have to get lost in a larger church (if we do things well, your needs will be met. We will use our deacon ministry, small groups, fellowship, discipleship classes etc to make sure you are not lost in our church)
• As you dig out of the blizzard, don’t focus on the snow, but rejoice in the coming harvest. When our church explodes in growth, don’t focus on the growth, focus on the coming harvest.
• During a blizzard, though it only affects my life in physical ways, I know the farmer is rejoicing in ways I can’t even imagine. As I dig out today, tomorrow, and Saturday, I will be thinking and rejoicing with the farmer. The blizzard of 2013 is not about me. As our church grows, it will affect most of you in physical ways. But the lost that are found, the blind that will see, the prodigal who comes home, the husband and wife who recommit their marriage to God will be rejoicing in ways you can’t even imagine. Church growth is not about you and me and it about “them.”
I could go on and on. Needless to say, the blizzard of 2013 changes everything for a season. The pain and mess will be worth it in June. As our church grows, I can assure everyone it will get messy and will change everything. But if God is faithful to His Word, it will also mean an amazing harvest will be realized. Doesn’t that sound exciting and fun? It will be the most amazing adventure you have ever been on. Focus on the harvest! Focus on the people we will reach. Focus on our Savior saying to us, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
May our church grow for His glory not our comfort; for His Kingdom to advance not for our agenda to prosper; for heaven to be populated with souls God used us to reach.
Dig out… the harvest is coming!
35 Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.(John 4:35).
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-14623898536240754822012-12-15T08:27:00.001-08:002012-12-15T08:27:14.392-08:00Thoughts on the Tragedy in Connecticut On Friday, most Americans were overwhelmed with grief and sorrow as the events in Connecticut began to unfold. How could there be such evil in this world? I know you have grieved with the families as we learn more of the horrific details of this very dark chapter in American history. Evil is alive and well in America. Where is God in the midst of this evil? If God were all powerful and all loving, why does He not intervene and stop this vile evil from occurring? How should a Christian respond? In dark times like this, these are all very justified questions. Job learned that God was big enough to be asked these tough, if not impossible, questions. But he also learned that God is big enough not to give answers but instead demand trust and faith. The following are a few anchor points for me in times of great tragedy and despair. They help me, not to get answers, but to have faith in God and to trust in Him fully and unconditionally. I pray they are a help for you too.
God did not create evil. Chapters 1 and 2 of Genesis tell us that everything God created was good and very good. When God gave His created creatures free will, God allowed the possibility of evil. Man took what was good and very good and twisted it into evil. We live in a very fallen and incomprehensibly evil world. We live in a world where evil and depraved individuals choose to do very wicked, vile, and evil things. In the midst of evil, we can be certain of a couple of things:
God is sovereign. God is over all and above all. In Isaiah 6, Isaiah was reminded that during a difficult time in his nation’s history, the real king was alive and well on the only authentic and true throne. As you wake up this morning, the events in Connecticut did not catch God off guard. He is still on His throne working all things according to His purposes. Therefore we can be certain of one singular truth: In the year the evil man killed 26 people in Connecticut, I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted.
God is able to take that which is meant for evil and turn it into good. In the midst of the many trials Joseph faced in his lifetime, he learned this very valuable lesson: "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). In times of deep national or personal tragedy, we must continually believe God will bring about good in any and every situation. At this moment, I cannot think of any good that can come from the killing of so many innocent lives. But I do know God is in the midst of their pain and suffering and He will produce good.
Evil will never thwart God’s ultimate purpose and plan. God will be finally and forever victorious over evil. The Day of the Lord is coming. God will personally intervene in history. He will vindicate His people. He will finally destroy, not only the power of sin, but the presence of sin. He will establish His Kingdom on the New Heavens and New Earth and He will reign for all eternity. When faced with such a terrible tragedy, we must look at the bigger picture. Peter reminds us that our suffering on this earth is for a “little while” (1 Peter 5:10). God will be victorious. In the span of the eternal, our pain and suffering is but a little while our joy will be everlasting.
On the cross, God identified Himself with our suffering. God knows what it is to suffer. In your darkest moment and in your deepest pain you must remember God loves you and God cares. He has personally and eternally proven that to you on the cross. He suffered and died so we might live. He suffered and died so we might have hope in the midst of pain. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Peter tells us to “Cast our cares upon Him. He cares for us” (1 Peter 5:7).
In the resurrection, God gains victory over our greatest enemy, death. Because Jesus lives, I too shall live. When faced with such tragedy we must remember our greatest hope is in the resurrection. We know “a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out — those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:28-29). We anchor our hope to the promise of this ultimate victorious resurrection. For the Christian, death is our doorway from the land of the dying into the land of the living. The resurrection is our greatest hope as we face our ultimate enemy, death.
Life is fleeting, fragile, and frail, therefore make the most of every day. 26 people woke up on Friday morning with no idea they would soon walk into eternity. It is true we never know when our time on this earth is done. We must love as if this is our last day. We must live as if we will hear our Savior’s voice of welcome at any time. We must live as if we have to give an account of our lives to the Judge on the last day. We must stop wasting our time on the petty and temporal and instead focus our attention on the eternal. We must love our families. Our greatest hope is Jesus Christ. We must therefore live every day as if Jesus really is the only answer to the despair of people.
As a Christian, what should our response be?
1. Do not loose heart! Have faith in God.
2. Weep with those who weep – mourn with those who mourn.
3. Pray
4. Anchor yourself to the rock which is God and point others to their only hope, Jesus.
5. Live as if you will walk into eternity as any moment.
6. Above all, be agents of love not of speculation and hate.
Finally, I do believe “Everything sad will come untrue.” In my readings this morning, I was reminded of a Lord of the Rings quote. Timothy Keller wrote: “In the last book of The Lord of the Rings, Sam Gamgee wakes up, thinking everything is lost and discovering instead that all his friends were around him, he cries out: ‘Gandalf! I thought you were dead! But then I thought I was dead! Is everything sad going to come untrue?’” The ultimate answer to this question is a resounding “YES!” The cross and resurrection assures us that one day everything sad will come untrue. The events of Friday are one page of one chapter in a story being told and ultimately controlled by God. He is the author of this story and already has the perfect ending in mind.
Evil is alive in this world... for now. I grieve deeply for those most affected by this senseless tragedy. As long as there are evil men there will be evil acts. Today my heart is very sad and very heavy. But my hope is anchored in the truth of scripture. At the end of a day like Friday, I simply find myself echoing the great words of the Apostle John, “Come Lord Jesus come!” To God be the glory both now and forevermore.
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-45393072513049929792012-08-28T13:05:00.000-07:002012-08-28T13:05:43.580-07:00Spending Time With God I have always found it odd how people have such a difficult time spending time with the creator of the universe. Everything I have ever seen shows that most Chrisitans spend between 3-5 minutes a day in focused fellowship with God. After considering this idea I have come up with four good reasons not to spend adequate time with God:
1. You don't believe in God.
2. You believe in God but you know more than God.
3. Your time on facebook, the internet, t.v., or reading a fiction novel can have a greater impact on your family and eternity than your time with God.
4. God is just one of many gods vying for your time. You love Him enough to give Him whatever is leftover. (side note: Interesting how we often give God our leftovers but we demand His best.)
Remember, spending time every day with the creator is not a duty to perform but a priveldge to enjoy. If you have not done it lately, begin to sanctify time every day to make it holy. Set apart at least 30 minutes a day to focus on God. Once or so a month, schedule an extended period of 3-4 hours with God. Be amazed in the knowledge that Jesus gave His life so we might have access into the throne room of God. Don't waste your opportunity to be blessed. If you need help in this area,especially in the extended time area, please let me know. Let's sit down and talk about the importance of a daily time with the awesome creator of the universe. You need never worry about wasted time in God's presence. Time with God is never wasted but always beneficial. Learn to take advantage of one of our greatest privileges. Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-352766088215932602012-08-28T08:56:00.003-07:002012-08-28T08:56:45.420-07:00"Radical Together" by David Plat David Platt is an author, speaker, and preacher who continually challenges my church paradigm. He did it in his first book, “Radical” and did not disappoint in his follow-up book “Radical Together.” I never know for sure if I enjoy reading Platt’s books but I know I must read them. I am always convicted, challenged, confirmed, and compelled by Platt’s writing. “Radical Together” was no different.
What is the vision of the church? Are we more concerned with the comforts of our call or the cost of reaching people? As you read Platt, you realize there are very few people who have a greater passion for reaching all people groups in the world. He gives some amazing numbers of the unreached people groups across the world. Believing it is the task of the church to reach all people groups, he challenges the church to be radical in completing this task to usher in the return of Jesus Christ.
To accomplish this, the church must begin to remember she has been “entrusted by God with stewards of God’s Word to equip God’s people to be servants with God’s Word” (pg 71). The church must regain her focus on equipping people and not just planning events. Platt will argue throughout the book of the importance of a selfless people serving a self-centered God. We must our eyes off of our comfort and put them squarely on the greatness of an all-mighty and all-sufficient God.
If I were to sum up Platt’s ideas I would with two quotes of the many I underlined while reading “Radical Together:” “We want to see God glorified by people everywhere because God wants to see himself glorified by people everywhere” (pg 106). “Radical Together” takes the ideas of “Radical” and asks the question “How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?” (3, 125).
I am always convicted and challenged by Platt. I would highly recommend the reading of “Radical Together.” Be ready to be challenged. Be ready to ask yourself in you are more concerned with the comforts of following Christ or are you willing to submit to His Lordship and accept the cost of fowling. As a Christian, are you ready to get busy in getting the Gospel to every people group in the world to help usher in the coming of our Lord? If that is a challenge you are ready to undertake, take a moment to read “Radical Together.” It is an easy read yet a challenging read.
Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-75313912666699056622012-03-23T09:32:00.002-07:002012-03-23T09:32:54.678-07:00Eagle RetreatI am in the process of tying off a few loose ends before heading to Salina for the weekend. Every year our convention puts on, what I believe to be great program, the Eagle Retreat. This weekend is designed for the children of the staff in the KNCSB. We attended one of the early retreats when Brennan was in middle school. We have attended every retreat since. All three kids have been richly blessed by this retreat. They are able to talk with other kids who are going through some of the same struggles. It has truly been an amazing blessing for our kids.
Heidi and I use the weekend to be recertified in our High Ropes training. We sure enjoy our weekend. We stay an evening at Webster then enjoy an evening out in Salina. It is always a refreshing time for Heidi and me. We also enjoy going to the parent and children worship service on Sunday morning and having a special time of worship with my family. It has also been our tradition to go to lunch at Chili's in Salina. It is around the table we hear of all the great stories from the weekend.
I'm praying for Sean as he prepares to preach in my absence on Sunday. It will be a great weekend for everyone. If you happen to be on staff in a KNCSB church with kids between the grades of 7-12, find out about the Eagle Retreat. Don't miss out!Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-42317480761845890022012-03-01T06:52:00.002-08:002012-03-01T06:53:59.725-08:00February Reading ListThings seem to be going well. Here is my reading list for February: "Radical" by David Platt, "Revolve" by Nelson Searcy and Jason Hatley and "Making Change" by Ken Hemphill. I even read the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I actually enjoyed the book. I read Radical for the second time. It is really a challenging and convicting read. It helps me to prioritize my life and ministry. I have a lot of great books coming in March. I am well on my way to read 52 books this year. I'm looking forward to the release of "The Hunger Games" in month. My family and I are looking forward in seeing the movie together.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-64685162583398628692012-02-26T05:09:00.003-08:002012-02-28T15:30:09.333-08:00Sunday Mornings and the PastorI guess you can say I'm an early riser. I enjoy getting up by 5:30 am every morning. I find a person can't get much done when they are sleeping. There is something special about those early pre-dawn hours. I began this practice early in my parenting years. I found those early hours to be the quietest of the day. My family was asleep and I could actually be alone with the Father. I have especially enjoyed the early hours of Sunday mornings. This is always when I polish my sermon, get the last few details out of the way, pray through my message one more time and, in general, begin to get my heart ready for the upcoming sermon. This is when I begin to really feel the weight of my job. This is when I feel the great responsibility to bring the Word of God to the people God has placed under my care. It is an amazingly awesome privilege but also a great responsibility. Unless you have ever preached before, you can't imagine the pressure a pastor feels. Most pastors love God with their entire being. They desire nothing more than to glorify the Father with their weekly sermons.
People, pray for your pastor. Pray he honors God through his study and through his life. Pastors, take the responsibility of bringing the Word of God to your people serious. Study. Spend time in the Word and let the Word spend time in you. Come into your pulpit, not with cute catchy phrases, but come with the power of the Holy Spirit. Beg God to speak through you. As I prepare for today's sermon, I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians: "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (2:1-5). We have enough men in America who are able to bring sermons with wise and persuasive words. We are in need of a few more preachers who bring the message with demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit.
Just a simple thought for a Sunday morning.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-79674688194963078312012-02-24T10:36:00.000-08:002012-02-24T10:36:02.934-08:00Psalm 51: The Psalm of DesperationPsalm 51: The Psalm of Desperation
Why do we continually fail in our walk with God? Why is it we so often ask God to forgive us of the same sin over and over again? With simple will power, we decide to stop the action that we know harms our witness and brings shame to the Father, but soon find we fall right back into the terrible habit we hate with all of our being. Why do we fail so often? I see this work itself out in my own spiritual journey and see it evidence itself in many of the people I council with on any given day. How do we overcome? Psalm 51 may be the perfect text for us to examine. I think of this Psalm as the “Psalm of Desperation.”
As you read Psalm 51, can you sense the desperation in David’s spirit? I can almost see David writing this psalm through brokenness and tears. He is crying out to God in desperation. He cries out “Have mercy on me, O God.” He knows he is guilty and deserves God’s judgment. He begs God to have mercy on him. He begs God not to remove His Spirit from him. Have you ever been that desperate over your sin? Are you more disappointed that you got caught or that you brought shame to the Father’s name? Are you more worried that God won’t bless you any more or that you have embarrassed the only person who loves you unconditionally (God)? The first step in gaining victory over your sin is <b>desperation</b>.
From desperation, God will lead you to a <b>declaration of guilt</b>. “Against you, you only have I sinned.” You must own your sin. It is neither your father nor your mother’s fault. You sinned, not because you were raised a certain way, but you sinned through a conscience choice to disobey God. We try to defend our actions before God telling Him we are too weak to do any better. We do our best to divert guilt to someone else. We disown our sin and deliberate our guilt and judgment with God. In other words, we play games with God. We try to make others look worse than ourselves and pray God will have mercy with us but bring judgment upon others. Once you have hit rock bottom and you are desperate for the hand of God, make your declaration of guilt before the Father.
From your declaration, you will be led to a genuine <b>dissatisfaction</b> with your spiritual walk with the Father. You know there has to be more to this spiritual life but you are missing it. Through a genuine dissatisfaction, you will realize that only God can do the work in you that is needed to bring victory to you. In verse ten, David implores God to “create in me a pure heart O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” The Hebrew word David used for “create” is “bara.” This is an interesting word. In the creation account it is used three times in Genesis 1. God, and God alone, created in Genesis 1 verses 1, 21, and 27. God created the heavens and the earth. God created the animals and God created male and female. It was only God who created those things and David affirms that it is only God who can create a pure heart in you. Too often, we try by our own willpower to change those habits we hate so much. But we continually fail because we cannot create a pure heart within us. Only God can “bara” a pure heart within you and me. Release your strangle hold on your life. God will not override your self-sufficiency but will freely empower to victory if you humble yourself and let Him “bara” in you. Remember, God wants you to live a victorious Christian life more than you desire a victorious life.
From your dissatisfaction with your current spiritual state, you will begin to uncover wonderful <b>discovery:</b> God is more concerned with your heart than what you do. David says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (vs 17). You will unchain yourself from the constant treadmill of trying to perform enough acts of righteousness to please God. As we surrender ourselves to God, we discover it is not about performance but about surrender.
Finally, as you read and meditate over Psalm 51 there will be a deep, slow and gentle ebb of hope resonating within your spirit. Slowly but surely you will begin to <b>dream</b> again. This hope will begin to flood your soul and overflow out of your heart. David writes, “Then there will be righteous sacrifices…”(19). David believes God is not done with him and one day David will again be restored to the place of offering righteous sacrifices of a broken and contrite heart to God. David’s hope in restoration is what drove him to his knees. Hope for forgiveness permeates this Psalm. While the consequence of David’s sin is clearly taught in scripture, we also know David was listed in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. God is a god of second chances.
If you are reading this and find yourself in a continual cycle of failing in your Christian walk, can I encourage you to humbly go before God with a singular desperation and offer God your genuine confession? In your desperation, go to God in the following way:
It may feel a little awkward at first. Open your Bible to Psalm 51. Lay it on the ground before you. Humbly bow in the presence of God. Lay flat before the throne room of God and remain silent. Say nothing. In a few moments, begin to read the 51st Psalm to the Lord. As you come to portions of the Psalm, read them as if you are guilty. You are the one desperate for God. You are the one who is guilty. Beg God for your life. Plead with the Father for a second chance. Implore Him not to give up on you but humbly forgive and use you again.
If you go to God with that attitude, I am confident that He will freely forgive your sins, restore your relationship with Him and faithfully use you again. Go to God humbly and in desperation and see what He might do through you.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-69482250432502092382012-02-16T14:14:00.000-08:002012-02-16T14:14:13.099-08:00Whose Life? Tebow or BradyA couple of days ago, a new World Champion was crowned. A new Super Bowl MVP drove away in his new car. More people watched the 2012 Super Bowl than any other television show in history. The year produced one winner and 31 losers. Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge football fan and enjoyed watching the Super Bowl even though “my” team was not playing (Yes I really do know it is not “my” team but I like to think it matters a little that I’m a Bronco fan, though I know it really doesn’t). I am a huge Denver Bronco fan. It has been my habit for many years to check the Denver Post online a few times a week just to keep up with the news coming out of Bronco Nation. A few weeks ago, the Post ran a very interesting poll: Whose life would you want to live: Tom Brady’s or Tim Tebow’s? Whose life would I want to live? Interesting thought: they are both losers. Maybe I’d rather live Eli Manning’s life.
The Denver Post had a few interesting reasons to want to live the life of Brady or Tebow. Consider these: Tom Brady has been a multiple Super Bowl Champion and a multiple Super Bowl loser. He has been the MVP of the NFL and will be a certain Hall of Famer. He is married to a “Top Model.” He has a contract with mega-millions and receives millions more in product endorsements. He has one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. Tom Brady is living an amazing life. Tebow doesn’t have it bad as well: He is a two-time National Champion, a Heisman Trophy winner, a first round draft pick, he is the hero of Bronco Nation, he has a contract worth multiple millions, receives millions in endorsements, and he has a very large cult following. He is also an amazing role model. So whose life would you live? The last time I checked, Tebow, was narrowly beating Brandy. But the poll was taken through the Denver Post so the results are surely skewed. But for you, whose life would you live?
As a Christian, we do not have the luxury of asking that question. You see, Jesus Christ has bought us. He paid a very high ransom price for you and me. Therefore, He owns us. We are slaves of Christ and the life we live is not our own but it is Christ living His life through us. We must continually have a Christocentric view of life. Jesus did not come to make your life better. He came to kill your life and live His life through you. Paul says it this way: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
As we consider the process of sanctification (being transformed into the image of Christ), we need more Christians dreaming, not of becoming a Tebow or a Brady but dreaming of becoming mighty and valiant warriors in God’s Kingdom. We must be willing to surrender everything, to keep our eyes focused on Christ and obediently allow Christ to live His life through us. We We are certainly losers in this life. But let me assure you, if you are in Christ, you will be great winners in the next life. Don’t compare your life to Tebow or Brady. For that matter, don’t compare your life to anyone except Jesus Christ. Surrender every area of your life to God and allow Christ to live His life through you.
<b><b>Thoughts to consider:
</b></b>
What habits or attitudes keep you from allowing Christ to live His life through you?
Are you willing to surrender everything to Christ?
Whose life would you rather live? Tim, Tom or Jesus’ life?
What is keeping you from living God's dream for your life?Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-53248573933712591092012-02-02T07:25:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:25:21.153-08:00January's BooksI have challenged myself to read 52 books this year. That is one book a week. I hope to keep my totals growing this year. Here are my books in January: "Radical Disciple" by John Stott, "Unlimiting God" by Richard Blackaby, "Treasure Principle" by Randy Alcorn, "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman, and "Limiting God" by John Hunter. Ok, five down only 47 to go. By the way, the next "Pastor's Book Club" read will be David Platt's "Radical." Join me in February as we read Platt's book.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-51231505502591345842012-01-24T08:25:00.001-08:002012-01-24T08:33:49.834-08:00Seeing Red - Seeing GodYou will never see what you never look for!
On January 8th, I challenged our church to see “red.” How many red items can you see in one week? As the people in the church began to train their eyes to see red, they were overwhelmed with how much red is in the world. It seems as if red is everywhere… if you are looking for it. The only way you will not see red, is if you are too busy to see red.
On January 15th, I reported the findings to our church: There were over 54,000 red sightings during the week. Does that mean there were only 54,000 red items people came across? No! But they took the time, focus, and energy to see and report back to be the over 54,000 red sightings. I then gave them the ultimate challenge: Instead of seeing red this week, I want you to see God. What is God doing in, through, and around you? Again, you will never see what you never look for? Is God actively at work in our world? Can we really see God? They answer is a huge resounding, yes!! John affirms this truth in his Gospel, in chapter 5:17 “Jesus said to them, ‘My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working’." God is at work around you, in you, and through you. Are you seeing Him?
On January 22nd, I reported the findings to our church: There were 69 God sightings during the week. Does that mean there were only 69 movements of God in the lives of our people? No! But they took the time, focus, and energy to see and report back to be the 69 God sightings. How much of God do we miss? I have challenged our people to continue to look for God in 2012. During this year, we have created a bulletin board where our people will pin up their God sightings. It is my hope and prayer that we will see this bulletin board grow and grow with God sightings. I pray that on December 31, 2012 there will be no more room for even one more sighting of God. I pray that there will be layer after layer of God sightings from our people.
Why is this important? Why should we make the effort to notice God’s work in our lives? Every time we see God, our faith grows just a little. The more we make an effort to see God and thank God for His faithfulness, the more our faith grows; the more our faith grows the more we see God. It is a never ending cycle. God is actively working in your life. Will you take the time and effort to see Him at work? Remember, just because you don’t see the hand of God, doesn’t mean He is not at work. You will never see what you never look for!
Will you join us? No matter where you live or where you go to church, will you join us in watching to see God in 2012? When you see God actively working in your life, send me an email and tell me what He did? I will write it down and post in on our board. You can email me at: savage_greg@fsbcdodgecity.com.
Here is one example of a God sighting:
We have a precious family in our church who had not attended for a few months. This past Sunday they came back to much rejoicing. It was such a blessing for me to see them again. They were able to talk to people and really be encouraged in their faith. It was as if they were never gone. This family was also able to sit by a wonderful godly lady. Both the husband and wife were able to tell this lady how much she meant to them and their family. Their children were able to give her a huge hug – it was a wonderful time. They did not realize it would be the last time they saw her this side of heaven. A few hours later, this lady laid down to go to sleep; she woke up in the presence of our Savior. Was it just a coincidence that this family came to church on the last day of this lady’s life? I cannot express to you how important it was for this family to have that time with this godly lady. It was, without a doubt, a divinely orchestrated meeting between one family and one godly lady. If we aren’t careful, or if we are not looking, we will miss even God’s most apparent and clear dealings with you and me.
Will you watch for God in 2012 and report back to the church? No matter where you live, email me with your God sightings.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-49778340242220247872012-01-04T09:39:00.000-08:002012-01-04T09:39:43.437-08:00Now That's AmazingOne of my goals in 2012 is to write more on the blog. So here it goes:
I enjoyed preaching portions of John chapter 1 this Christmas Season. It overwhelms me to contemplate and meditate on all my Savior gave up to live on this earth and offer Himself as my Passover Lamb. Currently on TV there is a Geico commercial that has a character say "That's Amazing." But I want to share something that is truly amazing.
We must realize and remember that the story of Christmas does not begin in a manger in Bethlehem. Instead, it begins in God's throne room in eternity past. John 1:1 states, "In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." There are many theological truths we hear so often we grow cold and miss the amazing truth behind God's Word. Don't miss this: Jesus existed in eternity past. He was with God; which means he enjoyed perfect fellowship with the Father. He was God; Jesus took His rightful place in the Godhead. Now that is amazing. Stop for a moment - meditate on the fact of Jesus' pre-existence as God. But the story doesn't end there.
John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh." A few years ago, God gave me a simple yet profound thought: In a moment in time, Jesus was enjoying the glory of Heaven and the perfect fellowship with the Father. At the next moment, He became a fetus in the womb of Mary. For you and me, he traded His throne for a womb. Now that is amazing. Don't miss this amazing truth. You may not be hearing this for the first time but you may need to hear for a fresh time. From His throne to a womb to a cross, Jesus gave up all. Now that is amazing.
Oh God! I am overwhelmed when I contemplate all you have done for me. Lord Jesus, how can I express my gratitude? My words are so cheap and shallow. I pray that as I begin a new year that my deeds and actions will speak of my gratitude to you. May I be holy and pleasing to you. May I offer myself a living sacrifice holy and pleasing unto You. Thank you God! I am overwhelmed.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-31156424171025718892011-12-25T06:36:00.000-08:002011-12-25T06:37:17.950-08:00Are Christmas Trees Condemned in Jeremiah 10?I have heard on a few occasions that God condemns the use of Christmas trees in Jeremiah 10:3-4. Read these words: <br />3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. <br />At firsts reading, this looks like a contemporary Christmas tree. At first glance, it looks as if these verses can be used to condemn the use of a Christmas tree. However, it is always imperative that one reads the context of the verses and not simply pull them out of the Bible and use them as a proof text. Is God condemning Christmas tress is Jeremiah 10? Verse 5 answers that question for us: <br />5 Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.<br />As you read verse five, you realize that God is not condemning Christmas trees but idols carved out of word, adorned, and used as worship. A Little history of the Christmas tree might be helpful: The Christmas Tree originated in Germany about 2000 years after Jeremiah’s condemnation of wooden idols. An article from the Christian Research Institute says, “It originated from two Christian symbols found in homes at Christmas time. The first was a “Paradise tree,” an evergreen which was hung with apples which represented the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The second symbol was a “Christmas pyramid.” This of course was a triangular shelf holding Christmas figurines and decorated with a star. By about the 16th century these two symbols had been combined into the Christian Christmas tree.”<br /> The real issue with all the secular “trappings” of Christmas is this: How’s your focus? Another way of asking this question is simply, “How’s your heart?” There is nothing wrong with having a Christmas Tree or other more secular decorations unless they are tearing your away from the true message and meaning of the season. Idols divide your heart. Use your decorations as a means to sharpen your focus on God’s gift and to communicate the gospel message to people who walk through your home. For instance, the Christmas Tree is an evergreen. You could point people to the truth of eternal life through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Use the Christmas decorations as a catalyst to enhance your worship. Let the wreath, tree, and other decorations remind you of the amazing love of our Savior. Even Santa Claus can be redeemed. Do a historical study of the “real” Santa Claus. You can even teach your children about the real “gift giver, “namely God Himself. <br /> The question for us all this Christmas season is this: Are you being trapped under the weight of the American Christmas picture, or are you in true and authentic worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I have said many times this year, allow yourself to be amazed. The creator of the universe chose to leave His throne, become a fetus in the womb of Mary and be born of a virgin. Every time you see Christmas decorations allow your heart to leap for joy and bow your knee in humble adoration. <br /><br />Merry Christmas!Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-52913197133926949992011-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:002011-06-24T11:43:17.313-07:00Did Jesus Complete the Work of Atonement on the Cross?Is the death of Jesus Christ on the cross sufficient to atone for our sins? If you follow many of the word of faith teachers, you may have heard the m teach that Jesus had to descend into hell to complete the atonement process. The cross of Jesus was not sufficient. This teaching has been put forth my many teachers like Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen just to name a few. <br /><br />“In her 1991 booklet, "The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make", Meyer teaches a hallmark doctrine of Faith theology, namely, that Christ had to suffer in hell to atone for our sins and be born again: ‘During that time He entered hell, where you and I deserved to go (legally) because of our sin….He paid the price there.…no plan was too extreme…Jesus paid on the cross and in hell….God rose up from His throne and said to demon powers tormenting the sinless Son of God, “Let Him go.” Then the resurrection power of Almighty God went through hell and filled Jesus….He was resurrected from the dead’” (http://www.equip.org/articles/the-teachings-of-joyce-meyer)<br /><br />Sadly, this is a teaching I am seeing far too much on television and the internet. Is it true? Did Jesus have to descend into hell to finish the atoning work of Jesus Christ? While Christians have long debated whether or not Jesus descended into hell, and if he did, what did he do in hell, true Christianity never strays far from the orthodox view that everything needed for the atonement of sin was sufficiently accomplished on the cross. <br /><br />Let me outline three biblical reasons Jesus did not need to descend into hell to finish the atoning work of the cross. First, there are the Words of Christ. Luke 23:43 Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” It is imperative we understand what the Greek word “today” means. It means today, this very day; the same day you are currently living in. The promise of Christ was the thief on the cross would be with Christ in paradise “today.” In John 19:30, Jesus utters His most powerful words, “It is finished.” This is one Greek word meaning “paid in full.” Warren Wiersbe reminds us the Greek word tetelestai means “it is finished, it stands finished, and it always will be finished.” Wiersbe continues, “When He gave Himself on the cross, Jesus fully met the righteous demands of a holy law; He paid our debt in full” (The Bible Exposition Commentary – Matthew-Galatians pg 384). Christ’s word on the cross assures us that everything that was needed to be done was done on the cross and nothing further needed to be done. <br /> Secondly, there is the Work of the Cross. Throughout the Pauline Epistles we see the depravity of man, the grace of God through salvation, the transformation of our lives by the Spirit and the practical nature of the walk and witness of every Christian. But central to Pauline theology is the cross and Jesus crucified. Paul’s very brief statement captures his passion well, “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor 1:23). In his letter to the saints in Christ at Colossae we again see the centrality of the cross and the sufficiency of the atonement of Christ on the cross. Paul reminds his reader that God has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves… (Col 1:13). How did God rescue us? “and through him (Christ) to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” We have gained peace through the blood shed of Christ on the cross. There is not even a hint at receiving peace with God through Jesus’ descent into hell. Paul continues and settles the matter once and for all when he writes, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written cod, with its regulations that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away nailing it to the cross (emphasis mine). And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ( Col 2:13-15). Is there really any doubt? Christ took our guilt upon the cross and triumphed over our enemies on the cross. The work of Jesus on the Cross has set us free. <br /><br />Finally, not only can we look at the word of Christ and the work of the cross to affirm the sufficiency of the cross, we can also examine the Washing of Blood. The verses referring to the efficiency of the blood of Christ are too numerous to list. Here is a short list: We are justified by His blood (Ro 5:8), We are redeemed by His blood (Eph 1:7, 1 Peter 1:19), We have peace with God through His blood (Col 1:20), We have forgiveness of our sin through His blood (Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 9:22, 1 John 1:7), and we have access to the Most Holy Place through His blood (Hebrews 10:19). Praise be to God! As Peter so aptly reminds us, “For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). What were we redeemed with? <br />I believe Scripture is clear. The cross is sufficient for the redemption of mankind. When Christ gave His life upon the cross He did all that was needed to be done and there is nothing else we could do. But this one thing we can be certain of, we are great sinners in need of a great Savior. Our sin makes us, not bad people, but dead people. Through God’s grace in faith we are made alive in Christ because of His death on the cross. Jesus paid our debt in full on the cross. Have you left the empty life in which you once lived? Have you crossed over to a full and abundant life in Christ? In faith, turn to Christ. Believe He is the Christ and has paid your debt. Decide to follow Him from this day forward wholeheartedly and with sincere reverence and devotion. To God be the glory for the great things He has done.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-12828338646298797362011-05-20T15:54:00.000-07:002011-05-20T15:57:08.306-07:00Camping and The RaptureIs the Rapture occurring May 21st? <br /><br />Many of you have probably already heard about Harold Camping’s prediction about the Rapture occurring on May 21, 2001. I am now seeing it all over Facebook. I have actually been following this for many months thanks to the ministry of Hank Hanegraaff. Camping is not only predicting a May 21st Rapture, but he is guaranteeing our Lord’s return. He goes on to even give us the time; the rapture will occur at 6:00 pm on May 21st. The rapture will be ushered in via major worldwide earthquake. An earthquake unlike the world has ever seen. Furthermore, he further states the end of the world will occur on October 21, 2011. On this date, the earth and universe will be totally consumed and destroyed. Is the rapture occurring this week? Can we expect the earth and universe to be totally destroyed in a few months? <br />It is important to note, that Camping has already been proven to be a false prophet. This is not his first rapture prediction. He has previously guaranteed the rapture would occur in 1994 and no one would be saved after that date. Remember, the test of a true prophet is 100% accuracy. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 states, “ Now if you say to yourselves, ‘How can we tell that a message is not from the LORD?’ whenever a prophet speaks in my name and the prediction is not fulfilled, then I have not spoken it; the prophet has presumed to speak it, so you need not fear him.” Camping is a false prophet. Do not listen to him. <br /><br />Camping has used numerology on numerous occasions to come up with his very imaginative prophecies. His May 21st day is very imaginative indeed. Here are Camping’s own words: <br />The best place in the Bible that focuses on 2011 is a passage in 2 Peter 3:8 where God is talking about two judgments. One judgment is the judgment of the flood of Noah's day and the other is the judgment at the end of the world. And in that context God says "Beloved, there's one thing that I do not want you to be ignorant of, and that is that a day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is a day." That's a very, very intriguing statement and it's very curious that when we—because we know that the flood occurred in 4990 BC, and if we go seven days, that is 7000 years from there, we land on the year 2011....2011 keeps shining through as the probable date for the - probable year that will end this earth's existence (http://www.equip.org/hank_speaks_outs/d-day-declarations-revisited - you can also just do quick internet search – it is not hard to find his comments – although I have enjoyed Hank Hanegraaff response to Camping). <br /><br />Are you serious? Do people actually believe this stuff? First of all, the Word of God does not say, “a day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is a day.” I challenge anyone to find me a verse that says that phrase. You will not find it. Secondly, there is absolutely no way of accurately dating Noah’s Flood. To have such a dogmatic date is completely bogus. Furthermore, the Word of God explains the earth and universe will not be completely destroyed and consumed but God will restore and recreate it into a “new heaven and new earth (Rev 21). We must also not forget that Matthew 24 assures us that “no one know about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven or the Son” (verse 36). I would had not even Camping knows the date. <br />So how should we respond to such a blatant misuse of God’s Words? First, we must test the word against the Word. You must be so familiar with God’s Word that you can spot a counterfeit from a mile away. How many of you stumbled over my comment about the 1000 years is a day comment? Look at what Camping wrote: “that a day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is a day.” If you are not familiar with the Word of God you may accept that phrase as being authentic. However, scripture says, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day.” The one word, “Like” makes a huge difference in the meaning of the verse. The verse that Camping quotes is not in scripture. But if you did not know the Word of God, you may believe Camping and come to think that Peter was giving us a dating method. <br />If I were to say, “It’s raining like cats and dogs,” how many of you would go outside expecting cats and dogs to be falling from the sky? You know it is only a metaphor I was using to express how hard it was raining. Likewise, when you go to the context of this verse, you know that Peter is using a metaphor expressing the idea that time is relative to God. Time means nothing to God. Peter was not giving us a new dating device but telling us that God is not slow in keeping his promises because God is outside of time. It is interesting to note that just a few verses later Peter tells us “the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” The same Greek word for “like” is used in both verse 8 and 10 of 2 Peter 3. In both cases, Peter is using metaphorical language that is evident in context. <br /><br />Not only do we need to test the word, we must also use this time as an opportunity for an open dialogue and a forum on the truths of Scripture. When May 21st comes and goes, there may be many people who believe Camping speaks for all Christians. It will open up the door to a wonderful opportunity to spread the true message of Christ and His second coming. The orthodox Christian belief that we dogmatically stand upon is Christ is coming again. We do not know when but we know He is coming. It will be a glorious day where God breaks in on history by sending His Son, eradicating evil, vindicating His people, restoring His Kingdom and ushering in the new heaven and new earth. Christians at times disagree and debate the “how” of this process but the eventual outcome is not up for debate: Jesus is coming again and He wins in the end and He wins eternally. When May 21 comes and goes, we must be ready to step in and teach the truth of the Gospel with grace. This event may actually open a wonderful opportunity for us to dialogue about the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. Look for opportunities in the coming days to expound truth to those who might be ready to listen and more open to the truth. <br />Finally, this reminds us of the importance of living expectantly. We must live ready for Christ’s coming at any moment. This is the thought that purifies us (1 John 3:3). We must not only live expecting Christ to return at any moment, we must also live expecting to live a long time and to have a long fruitful ministry for our Lord. These two opposing ideas are always kept in balance and under constant tension. There is a chance Jesus will come back very soon. There is also a chance we might live a long time and never personally experience the second coming. We must be living and loving while expecting both. Are you ready for His return? You don’t want to be caught off guard. Is your life making an eternal difference? When you greet our Lord, will He say, “Well done!” <br /> <br />It matters not when Christ returns. Are you ready today to meet Christ? His return may be this afternoon or in 30 years or 100 years. We simply do not know. But we must live every moment in obedience to God; we must love Him wholly and only and seek to glorify Him in all we do. Don’t worry about dates – you may meet Christ on your return home today. Are you ready? By the way, I have a great sermon on knowing and doing the will of God. I am fairly confident I will be able to deliver my sermon on Sunday, May 22nd. See you then.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-31664943130984219552010-03-30T07:01:00.000-07:002010-03-30T07:03:21.646-07:00Philippians 3:7-10Paul had worked his entire life to build a wonderful life. Everything he had dreamed of and hoped for was coming true. Then on a dusty road to Damascus, Jesus broke into his life. Everything he thought was important become like dung. The word dung has the idea of either the excrement that comes from a dog (dog poop) or that which is thrown to the dogs. Either way, those things he thought were so important were nothing now. Nothing! All that was important to him was getting to really know Jesus. He didn’t want to know about Jesus, but to really know Jesus. <br /><br />How does one get to know Jesus? There are many things you can do. However, here are three ideas you can begin today to know Christ better. First, you need to begin practicing spiritual exercises (ie Worship, Bible reading, prayer, silence, solitude, witnessing etc.). Secondly, you need to examine your life experiences. As you walk through the high and low points of life you begin to know Christ intimately and grow in his likeness. And finally, you need to begin careful elimination of sinful habits and attitudes that wreck your relationship with Christ. <br /><br />•What spiritual exercises should you add to your day in order to know Christ better? <br />•What lessons have you learned about Christ as you walk with Him through life’s experiences? <br />•What do you need to eliminate from your life to get to know Christ better? <br />•What is really important to you? Are you building up dung or getting to know Christ? <br /> <br />How will your day be different? Will you be more focused on getting to know Christ better or will you continue to build up for yourself a mountain of dog poop?Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-56799821054547619962008-10-22T08:08:00.000-07:002008-10-22T09:13:21.195-07:00Baptismal Regeneration Part 1 Introduction <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CGREGSA%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:48454655; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1883678442 809913174 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:.75in; mso-level-number-position:left; margin-left:.75in; text-indent:-.25in;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I think it is fair to say the belief in baptismal regeneration has been debated for many centuries.<span style=""> </span>I am fairly confident it will continue to be hotly debated until our Lord returns.<span style=""> </span>I am certain that my two cents worth will not change or end this great debate.<span style=""> </span>Nonetheless, I have decided to throw my hat into the baptismal regeneration arena. Actually I am not looking to debate anyone.<span style=""> </span>I have read countless debates of one Christian trying to convince another Christian about a certain belief they hold to. I have rarely found the debate useful in changing minds and do more to fuel controversy and divide the body of Christ.<span style=""> </span>We are in a day where Christians spend far too much time debating issues of doctrine between other Christians while a lost world continues to die.<span style=""> </span>Too often the debates between Christians grow bitter and demeaning.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, this is not a debate.<span style=""> </span>It is simply one man’s look into a difficult topic.<span style=""> </span>It is more designed to aid in my church member’s education on an important topic.<span style=""> </span>My greatest hope is not to change your mind but to encourage your study on this important topic.<span style=""> </span>If you believe in the need of baptismal regeneration, I hope to challenge your view and to direct you to a deep study of scripture.<span style=""> </span>Furthermore, <span style=""> </span>I hope through this dialogue, even if you do not agree with me, you will be better able to state your position on baptismal regeneration and defend its need.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Baptismal regeneration comes down to one fairly simple question: What must I do to be saved?<span style=""> </span>I am contrasting two schools of thought. <span style=""> </span>First, a person is saved by grace through faith and faith alone.<span style=""> </span>Secondly, a person is saved through faith in combination with baptism.<span style=""> </span>The latter position believes that baptism is a requirement for salvation.<span style=""> </span>I am standing upon the doctrine of the former and will attempt to show why salvation comes by grace through faith and faith alone.<span style=""> </span>In upcoming postings, I will also study a few of the more difficult passages in scripture, which on the surface, seem to support the need of baptismal regeneration.<span style=""> </span>In a nutshell, my position is simple: The weight of scripture and the clear teachings of God’s Word are in overwhelmingly support of salvation by grace through faith and faith alone.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>As I study scripture, I hold to three very simple assumptions.<span style=""> </span>First, the Bible is God’s Word.<span style=""> </span>It has God for its author and salvation for its end.<span style=""> </span>It is inspired by God and useful to man. Secondly, if God is the true author of the Bible, He knows what He has said in one verse and will not contradict Himself in another verse.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, difficult passages must be interpreted through the lens of clearer and less “grey” scripture.<span style=""> </span>In light of these three assumptions, I begin this first, of several postings examining what I believe to be the clear teachings of scripture.<span style=""> </span>In my opinion, these passages show without a doubt that salvation is by grace through faith and faith alone.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I could begin a defense of salvation through faith alone in many of the New Testament books.<span style=""> </span>My first passage of defense is found in the Book of Acts.<span style=""> </span>In chapter 16, the jailer asks a most probing question.<span style=""> </span>In fact, it is the only time in scripture where this question is asked in such a clear and concise way.<span style=""> </span>The jailer asks Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved (30)?”<span style=""> </span>Here is the million dollar question.<span style=""> </span>In my very humble opinion, Paul settles the issue of baptismal regeneration here.<span style=""> </span>Paul’s answer is as clear and concise as the jailor’s question.<span style=""> </span>Paul leaves no room for debate, no room for doubt, and certainly no room for baptism.<span style=""> </span>Paul says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved – you and your household” (31).<span style=""> </span>Could it be clearer?<span style=""> </span>Paul could have said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, be baptized, join a local church, pray, and you will be saved.”<span style=""> </span>He did not.<span style=""> </span>In my opinion, the matter is settled once and for all.<span style=""> </span>Could it be any clearer?<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>If God is the author of the Word and has inspired Paul to say, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved,” He will not contradict Himself in another passage and say you must include baptism to be saved. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The Gospel of John was written “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may life in His name” (20:31).<span style=""> </span>If John wrote his gospel so that people might be saved, it seems as good a spot as any to begin to really examine this issue. <span style=""> </span>Once again, if it is John’s position, is it not also God’s position?<span style=""> </span>Notice the verse above; John says, “That by believing you may have life in His name.” <span style=""> </span>It is agreed by scholars throughout, that faith and belief go hand in hand.<span style=""> </span>It is further agreed that words like salvation, eternal life, forgiveness of sin, justification, and righteousness all point to the same saving work of the Holy Spirit.<span style=""> </span>Once again, see what John has said, it is by believing that a person has life.<span style=""> </span>He did not say by believing and baptism a person is saved.<span style=""> </span>John has not left any wiggle room whatsoever.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Is this God’s position?<span style=""> </span>Let’s see what a Christ has said and let God answer for Himself.<span style=""> </span>The third chapter of John is great example of Jesus’ teaching on the matter of salvation.<span style=""> </span>Four times in this great chapter, Jesus teaches that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life (15, 16, 18, 36).<span style=""> </span>Who receives eternal life?<span style=""> </span>It is the one who believes.<span style=""> </span>Who is the one condemned?<span style=""> </span>It is the one who does not believe.<span style=""> </span>What is the basis of salvation in John chapter 3?<span style=""> </span>Very simply, it is belief (We will examine the early verses of John later).<span style=""> </span>When you have time, check out these other important verses that support salvation by faith (belief) alone: John 1:12; 5:24; 6:35,47; 8:24; 11:25-26.<span style=""> </span>According to the Gospel of John, salvation is based upon belief and condemnation is based upon unbelief.<span style=""> </span>Condemnation is never based upon whether or not a person has been baptized.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Let’s reexamine Paul’s position on this topic. It is not difficult to see what Paul believed about salvation.<span style=""> </span>One does not need to go far to see that Paul’s theology (therefore God’s theology) states, “for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).<span style=""> </span>Throughout Paul’s letters, he states that salvation, eternal life, forgiveness of sin, justification, and righteousness is found by faith or belief in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:17; 3:22, 25-28; 4:13; 9:30-32; 10:4, 9-10, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:15-16; 3:7-9, 3:26, Philippians 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Timothy 1:16).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The book of Acts also affirms this belief.<span style=""> </span>Once again, Paul’s teaching and preaching affirm his stance on the doctrine of salvation through faith alone.<span style=""> </span>He supports this position in Acts 13:38-39; 16:30-31; and 20; 20-21.<span style=""> </span>In coming posts, we will look at Peter’s teachings on baptismal regeneration.<span style=""> </span>At first glance, it looks like Peter holds to a doctrine of baptismal regeneration. <span style=""> </span>As we examine a little closer, we can see another side of Peter.<span style=""> </span>For instance, when he is facing the first <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city> council on the topic of circumcision, Peter stands in defense of faith alone: He says, “… He purified their hearts (Gentiles) by faith … We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are” (Acts 15:9,11 see also verse 7).<span style=""> </span>When he was in Cornelius’ home, he states, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through His name” (Acts 10:43).<span style=""> </span>He also says that times of refreshing may come and ours sins may be wiped out to all who “repent and turn to God” (Acts 3:19).<span style=""> </span>There is no mention of baptism whatsoever.<span style=""> </span>When we examine the difficult passages we must do so in light of Peter’s teaching on salvation by grace.<span style=""> </span>Once again, the Bible will not contradict itself.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>To believe in the need of baptism in the regenerate process, one must completely discard many verses that support a teaching of salvation by grace through faith and faith alone.<span style=""> </span>It is also important to note if a person believes baptism saves, they must also accept the following: <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">1.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->There must always be water enough to baptize. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">2.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->There must always be time enough to baptize. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="">3.<span style=";font-family:";font-size:7;" > </span></span><!--[endif]-->For some denominations, there must also be an ordained minister present to administer baptism.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This belief completely throws out the possibility of a death bed conversion.<span style=""> </span>I have heard some say that God makes special allowances in times where there is neither water nor time to baptize.<span style=""> </span>It is either by grace through faith or by grace through works.<span style=""> </span>It can not be both.<span style=""> </span>If one must be baptized by water, there will be numerous people who will not have the opportunity to be baptized and will be condemned to hell for there lack of water baptism.<span style=""> </span>The scripture supports a position of salvation through faith alone which enables a person to be saved at any time, in any place, and in any circumstance.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Let me reiterate, if we affirm the need of baptismal regeneration, we would simply have to throw out countless scripture and base our doctrine on a handful of passages that are grey at best.<span style=""> </span>Over the coming weeks we will examine a few of these scriptures that seem to contradict a belief in salvation by faith alone and supports a doctrine of baptismal regeneration.<span style=""> </span>We will take a close look at the following passages: John 3:1-5; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; and 1 Peter 3:21. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>It is my hope that in this first posting, I have placed before enough scripture to at least begin making a case that salvation is by faith alone.<span style=""> </span>There are a few verses that seemingly contradict this teaching.<span style=""> </span>However, when we examine these closely, believe that God will not contradict Himself, and interpret the more difficult passages in light of clearer passages, we will build a strong case and be able to have great confidence in the amazing doctrine of salvation through faith by God’s grace alone.<span style=""> </span>Is God’s grace not amazing and sufficient enough to save?<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-21895607455537033012007-12-19T07:15:00.000-08:002007-12-19T07:17:56.658-08:00The Virgin Birth<p> I have been raised my entire life to accept the stories of the Bible as literally true. I was biology major in College and had my beliefs tested at every turn. On what basis do I believe? Do I really believe in the story of Moses parting the Red Sea? Do I believe that Daniel was really in a den of tamed lions? Do I really believe in the story of a man swallowed by a huge fish? My answer to all of those questions is yes. It is the stories of the Bible that spark my relationship with God. It is the incredible stories of power, intervention, and faith that create the hope I have for eternity. Since we are about to celebrate another Christmas, it might be good to look at the story of the Virgin Birth. If Jesus could be born by the power of the Holy Spirit, then I have no doubt he could walk on water, change water into wine, heal the blind man, and by all means be raised to life on the third day.<br /> <br /><strong><em>The Meaning of Virgin</em></strong><br /><br /> In Matthew 1:23, Matthew quotes from the prophet Isaiah, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel.” To better understand what the word Virgin means, let us look back at two Old Testament passages. First, we will look at the passage in Isaiah 7. As we do, let us first remember our biblical history. By this time, the nation of Israel had long been divided (931 BC). There was the northern Kingdom of Israel with her 10 tribes and a series of wicked kings. After many attempts of repentance through the preaching of the prophets, God brought judgment to the northern nation of Israel in 722 B.C. at the hands of Assyria. The Southern Kingdom of Judah was established with two tribes. They had an up and down history of good and bad kings. In the year 586 B.C., God brought judgment to Judah at the hands of Babylon. However, God remembered His promise to David and was not done with Judah. There would indeed be a King from David’s line upon the throne forever. The nation of Judah would return through the ministries of Ezra and Nehemiah. Isaiah 7 took place during the divided Kingdom phase and more specifically, during the Syro-Ephraimitic War (734 – 732 B.C.) Syria and Israel had joined alliance against Assyria. Both nations had hoped Judah would join their alliance. Judah, however, declined and Syria and Israel attacked Jerusalem. It was at this point that Jerusalem was surrounded and all seemed hopeless for King Ahaz and Judah. How could Judah withstand the might of the army surrounding Jerusalem? Would God intervene to aid Judah? Could God intervene? Through Isaiah, God reminds Ahaz that He would indeed intervene. He encouraged Ahaz and the nation of Judah to keep the faith. Through Isaiah, God reminded Ahaz, that “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Then God told Ahaz that he will give them a sign. In verse 14, God himself will give them a sign. Please note, the “you” in verse 14 is plural. The sign will be a virgin will give birth to a son. <br /> What is a sign? Many people would like to say the word virgin means “young maiden.” It very well could mean that and does in a couple of places in scripture. But logically, what kind of sign is a young maiden giving birth. It would be like you and I saying, “A teenage girl will give birth…” Not much of a sign is it? Since God was going to give a sign, it had to be unique and unavoidable. An actual virgin is the only thing that makes since and fits the context of scripture. <br /> Look also at Jeremiah 31:22. It says, “The Lord will create a new thing on earth a woman will surround a man.” What does “a woman will surround a man” mean? Maybe a good question would be, “How did the rabbis view this scripture?” Before the time of Christ, Rabbis wrote the following concerning this verse:<br />Messiah is to have no earthly father<br />The birth of the Messiah will be without defect. The birth of Messiah will be like that of no other man.<br />The birth of the Messiah will be like the dew of the Lord as drops on the grass without the action of man. <br /><br />In the time of Christ’s birth, the Jewish people were expecting a “virgin birth.” I have every confidence that Matthew’s account meant Jesus would be born simply by the power of the Holy Spirit to a virgin named Mary.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Mandate of Scripture</em></strong><br /><br /> What if Jesus were not born of a virgin? What would it do to the Gospel? <br /><br /> First, it <strong>Weakens the Word</strong>. It we don’t accept the virgin birth, or if it is not literally true, what stories are true? Barna has come out with some interesting numbers: <a href="http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrowPreview&BarnaUpdateID=286">http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrowPreview&BarnaUpdateID=286</a><br /><br />- Three out of four adults (75%) said that they believe Jesus Christ was born to a virgin<br /><br />- Seven out of ten adults (69%) embraced the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana as being literally true<br /><br />- Two out of three people (68%) view the story of the loaves and fish factually accurate.<br /><br />- Most Americans (64%) have no trouble believing that the planet-altering flood actually happened, in which Noah,<br /><br />- In total, 56% of adults believe that the story of the devil, disguised as a serpent and tempting Eve to sin by eating the forbidden fruit, is literally true<br /><br />- Only half of the population (49%) accepts the story of Samson and his strength as completely accurate.<br /><br />- Born again Christians were far more likely than non-born again adults to accept each of the six narratives as fully accurate<br /><br />- Protestants were more likely than Catholics to accept each of the six stories as literally true.<br /><br />It really fascinates me to see the number of people who believe certain stories of the Bible and not others. Is the entire Word of God inspired or just parts of it? The heretical group, Jesus Seminar, has taken it upon themselves to decide which of the stories and words of Jesus are true, fictitious, or simply legend and fables. The group of scholars vote with colored marbles as to the authenticity of our Lord’s words and actions. Do you see the slippery slope we put ourselves on when we try to decide which stories are true or false? If Jesus was not born of a virgin, what stories can we accept? I believe the entire Bible is the inspired Word of God and is reliable and accurate. Can I explain every story; Of course not. But would I really want to explain the actions of God? God is too big and awesome to have His works explained by a finite human mind like mine. Therefore, I believe every story from Noah’s flood to Jonah and the big fish is historically accurate and true. Furthermore, since I believe in the entire Word of God, I am able to accept that Jesus was born of a virgin; He lived a sinless perfect life; He was God in flesh; He died a substitutionary death for my sins; He is the atoning sacrifice for my sins and the sins of the entire world; He was raised to life on the third day, and He will come again. <br /> Here is an interesting question: If 75% of the adults in America believe in the virgin birth, why does that believe not correlate into action? We have a nation who believes in the Bible yet far too many have an indifference to the things of God. If you believe in the Word of God, it must begin to change and shape your behavior. Your belief in God will always affect your behavior. If you behavior does not change, your belief is only superficial and shallow.<br /> Secondly, if the Virgin Birth is not literal, it <strong>Waters down the Gospel</strong>. No longer could we accept the Deity of Christ. The belief of the sinlessness of Jesus would be far harder to accept. The power of Christ would even come into question. The very nature of Jesus would come into question if He had been born by natural means. But there is not doubt that Jesus is God in flesh, He was sinless, and He has divine power. The Virgin Birth supports and explains the unique claims of Jesus. <br /><br /><strong><em> Message of Hope</em></strong><br /><br /> The Virgin Birth reminds me of four very simple truths. First, God is able. What is impossible for man is possible for God. Secondly, God will intervene for His Glory and our good. Thirdly, God is always able to do the unexpected. Finally, God is able to “break our plans.” If there is one great lesson from the life of Mary it is this: God is looking for people who loosely hold their plans in their hands in order to allow God to intervene and break their plans. Do you think Mary grew up expecting to be the mother of God’s Son? Do you think she longed to be looked down upon by everyone in town? But God had different plans for her. God did not have an easy plan for Mary, but He had a much better plan. Mary was willing to forgo her dreams and let God do whatever He would choose to do for His glory and man’s good. How about you? What plans are you holding on too tightly? If God came to you today, would you be willing to let your future dreams die so you could align yourself with God’s plan for your life? Imagine if all those people who really believe the virgin birth would also have their behavior conformed into that of Christ’s behavior. Could you fathom what God could do? Let me assure you, if God had the power to have Mary give birth as a virgin, don’t you think He has the power to take care of you? Pray and ask God to break your plans for His glory and the good of others. </p>Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3642896217384333838.post-68515521601592383032007-12-02T07:02:00.000-08:002007-12-02T07:03:45.669-08:00Immaculate ConceptionI have a quick quiz for you. I’m sorry if you are just now waking up and your mind is a little blurry. I’m sure the last thing you want to do is take a quiz. Don’t worry, grab a cup of coffee, dust off the cob webs and dive into this one question quiz: <br /><br />The Immaculate Conception deals with:<br /><br />a. The birth of Jesus Christ.<br />b. The amazing reception by Franco Harris<br />c. The conception of Mary without the stain of original sin<br /><br />Well, how do you think you did? If you answered b, you watch way too much football and need to seek immediate council. Before I began preaching and studying matters of faith, I believed the Immaculate Conception dealt with the birth of Jesus. I knew it was a Catholic doctrine and believed it was an area we could both agree on: the Virgin Birth of Christ. The problem is the Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception has nothing to do with Jesus and everything to do with Mary. The doctrine believes simply that Mary was conceived in the “usual way” but without the stain of original sin. “The dogma thus says that, from the first moment of her existence, she was preserved by God from the lack of <a title="Sanctifying grace" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctifying_grace">sanctifying grace</a> that afflicts mankind, and that she was instead filled with <a title="Divine grace" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divine_grace">divine grace</a>. It is further believed that she lived a life completely free from <a title="Sin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin">sin</a>” (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Conception">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Conception</a>).<br /><br />The History of the Immaculate Conception<br /><br /> There is no way for me to completely deal with this topic. Nonetheless, I am going to outline what I have learned and give you my ideas on this topic. Around the end of the 15th Century, Catholic Popes began to make statements that would begin to clarify and be the basis for the future dogma of the church. In 1477, Sixtus the IV “praised the liturgical celebration of the Immaculate Conception. Sixtus also condemned those who said it was sinful to preach and believe the Immaculate Conception in 1483. <br /> In 1567, Pope St. Pius V, condemned the error of Baius who said Our Lady was subject to original sin. In 1568, St. Pius V, put the feast of the Immaculate Conception on the calendar of the Roman breviary. Throughout the following years, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was worked out by the Popes. On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX defined “ex cathedra” the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The Pope stressed that Mary’s sinlessness was not due to her own merits but truly by the merits of the son, Jesus. The dogma was written as follows:<br /><br />We declare, pronounce and define that the doctrine which holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the first instant of her conception, by a singular privildge and grace of the Omnipotent God, in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, was preserved immaculate from all stain of original sin, has been revealed by God, and therefore should firmly and constantly be believed by all the faithful.<br /><br />“Simply stated, Mary possessed sanctifying grace from the first instant of her existence and was free from the lack of grace caused by the original of first sin at the beginning of human history” (<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm">http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm</a>)<br /><br />Two Errors <br /><br /> As I studied this issue, I realize that, as an Evangelical, I have errored in two frequent ways when thinking about the Catholic faith. First, most Evangelicals, would say that the Catholic theology of Mary would state she was not in need of salvation. However, the Catholic stance would be Mary needed redemption, although she was never subject to original sin. She was a recipient of “Preventative redemption.” Preventive means anticipatory: “the grace she received at her conception was given in anticipation of Christ’s merits, which earned that grace” (<a href="http://www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/marya2.htm">www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/marya2.htm</a>). In other words, Mary received redemption at the moment of her conception before her conception – before her soul joined her body and was stained by sin. <br /> Secondly, I had a false view of Papal infallibility. I had always heard about the Papal infallibility and believed they used this power often. However, Papal Infallibility has only been used twice. Interesting enough, both occasions dealt with a doctrine concerning Mary. First, was the “Ineffabilis Deus the definition of Pope Pius IX in 1854 concerning the Immaculate Conception of Mary and Munificentissimus Deus, the definition by Pope Pius XII in 1950 concerning the Assumption of Mary” (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Dogmatic_definition">http://en.wikipedia.org.wiki/Dogmatic_definition</a>). <br /><br />Support for the Immaculate Conception<br /><br /> As one studies the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, it is glaringly evident that there is no clear scriptural evidence for this teaching. In fact, The Catholic Encyclopedia states, there is “No direct or categorical and stringent proof of the dogma can be brought forward from Scripture.” So the best one can do is to make an argument from silence. There are a few biblical ideas the Catholic Church puts out to support this teaching. First, they go to Genesis 3:15 and teach that there is a parallel between Mary and Eve. The Jews saw this passage as referring to the struggle between Christ and Satan and so the Church sees in “the woman” a prophetic foreshadowing of the Virgin Mary (Vatican II, Lumen gentium #55). They go on to say, “if there is to be complete enmity between the woman and the serpent, then she never should have been in any way subject to him even briefly. This implies an Immaculate conception” ((<a href="http://www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/marya2.htm">www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/marya2.htm</a>). <br /> Luke 1:28 is also used as a textual support for the Immaculate Conception. On one hand, the church says, “chaire kecharitomene, ‘Hail, full of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06689a.htm">grace’</a> indicates a unique abundance of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06689a.htm">grace</a>, a <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14336b.htm">supernatural</a>, godlike state of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14153a.htm">soul</a>, which finds its explanation only in the Immaculate Conception of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15464b.htm">Mary</a>” However, they then qualify their statement by saying, “But the term kecharitomene (full of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06689a.htm">grace</a>) serves only as an illustration, not as a <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12454c.htm">proof</a> of the <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05089a.htm">dogma</a>” (<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm">http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm</a>). <br /> Most people know the importance of the church teaching and traditions in the Catholic Church. The early church fathers no doubt had a very high view of Mary. However, you will not find the “Immaculate Conception” of Mary in the teachings of the early Church Fathers. The Catholic Church point to two positions brought forth by various Church Fathers: her absolute purity and her being named the second Eve. Even so, to build an entire doctrine of the Immaculate Conception on these two ideas is a great leap. Not only to have they seen Mary as the Second Eve, but also as the “Ark of the Covenant” or the Tabernacle of God. All of these ideas put forth by the church can only be reasoned from the Bible and taught from the silence of scripture. <br /><br />My Objections<br /><br /> When dealing with a topic like this, it is important that we do not simply believe something or not because of our religious inclinations. I actually could care less what Southern Baptists believe about the Immaculate Conception. I could care less what the Catholics believe. But I am very concerned with what the Bible teaches in this area. There must be a standard of truth that we must all accept. Truth is not truth simply because someone believes it. In fact, truth can be truth even if no one believes it and a falsity can be false even if everyone believes it. There must be a standard in which we can test whether or not something is true. For the Catholic Church, the standard of truth is the Church, Tradition, and Scripture. For me, it is scripture alone. <br /> In my study, I found a very disturbing quote. It said, “The mere fact that the Church teaches that something is definitely true is a guarantee that it is true (cf Matt 28:16-20, Luke 10:16, 1 Tim 3:15)” (http:/www.catholic.com/library/Immaculate_Conception_and_Assum.asp). Does anyone else have trouble with this idea? If one were to look at the example of scripture, it would not take long to find the Bereans (Acts 17:10-15). Luke writes, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined scripture every day to see if what Paul said was true.” This is the classic example of how we are to handle teachings. We must receive it, examine it, test it and see if it is true. John tells us “…You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). This is the competency of every soulin whom the Spirit of God lives. We must test everything that is said alongside the Scripture. This is the greatest error members of cults make; they are not allowed to think on their own nor do they test what is said. They must accept everything simply because it has been said. I tell my church often, test what is said behind the pulpit. Do not test it with your personal feelings or Baptist tradition, but test it against the Living and Active Word of God. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception does not withstand the Scriptural test.<br /> Not only does it fail the scriptural test, but it also fails the time test. What is one of the great arguments we give for the resurrection of Jesus? In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul tells the reader to go find the eyewitnesses. For a legend to become accepted, there must be time and distance. Everyone who knows the truth must be gone and their can be no one who could refute the teachings. By 380 AD, Ambrose had to already caution people not to direct to Mary the adoration due only to God. Mary was a temple of God; not the God of the temple and therefore, God alone is to be worshiped. The Apostles were gone. All eyewitnesses to the truth of Jesus’ ministry had long before died but the teachings of Mary had just begun. By 430, Mary was called the “Mother of God.” 700 it was written, “There is no one to whom the gift of grace is given except through Mary. By 1100, we have the first “Hail Mary.” In 1153, it was said that Mary is the dispenser of Grace. God has willed that we should have nothing that did not pass through the hands of Mary. For those of you who know your church history, you realize how many extra biblical books were written during those early years. But the Apostles were not alive to refute the message. It has been written, “in regard to the sinlessness of Mary, the older Fathers are very cautious; some of them even seem to have been in error on this matter” (<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm">http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07674d.htm</a>.). It was easier to say men like Origen, St. Basil, and St. Chrystotom were in error than they were standing to the truth of the Word. <br /> As you study the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, one can also see a very heavy Gnostic influence. One of the basic Gnostic beliefs is that Jesus never could have carried sin because all matter was evil or sinful and hence God could not have become man nor carried sin upon him. Since Mary was going to be the “Temple of God” she could not have the stain of sin upon her. Therefore, God made allowances for her so the stain of sin would not touch Jesus. <br /> The early Fathers had a very high view of Mary but not a worshipful view of Mary. It is only after time that this belief began to surface. While I was very encouraged the Papal Infallibility has been rarely used; am I the only one who finds it interesting that in both cases it dealt with doctrines of Mary. Since there is absolutely no biblical support, dogma had to be created and affirmed ex cathedra by the Pope. Again, if a person would use the Word has the plumb line of truth, there would be no problem. <br /><br />What Should We Do With Mary?<br /><br /> We must continually work on a balanced view of Mary. Too often, as Evangelicals, we throw the baby out with the bath water. We are so worried of worshiping Mary that we degrade her or too often do not give her the due she is credited. The simple truth is Mary was a great woman of God. She would have had to have lived a life of purity, honor, and was found to have received great honor from God. Sadly for many of us, we could never speak of our lives in that fashion. Luke 1:28 has been misinterpreted. It simply is saying, not that Mary was a source of grace but had received grace from God. Mary was a remarkable lady and an amazing vessel of submission and surrender. We could do well to emulate the attitude of Mary when it came to surrender. Is there no greater passage of surrender than Mary’s beautiful words, “I am the Lord’s servant, May it be to me as you have said.” Wow! God really came into Mary’s life and broke up her plans. Do you think she was planning on being the Mother of Jesus? Do you really think her plans included a virgin birth? We get angry and aggravated at God when he breaks up our dinner plans for a ministry opportunity. We could do well to learn how to receive God’s break through as ministry opportunities and God glorifying occasions. <br /> Go back to the word and discover Mary for yourself. While you will learn that she is not a co-medatrix (1 Tim 2:5), she was a mother of other children, and that Jesus is the only way of salvation (John 14:6, Acts 16:31, 15:11) you will be challenged by the wonderful life Mary lived and will be encouraged to place the same attitude of willingness into your life that Mary so gracefully lived.Greg Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943561352138887718noreply@blogger.com3