We had a disturbing discussion in class today. Several of the guys in class are serving in vocational ministry (that means they're "professional" ministers). Most of those guys reported that a vast majority of people in their churches do not know what the gospel is. Since it is my assumption that most people willing to read this blog are professed Christians, I am prompted to write this brief summary of the gospel "so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
1. God is all knowing, all good, all powerful, perfectly holy, perfectly loving, perfectly just, perfectly perfect.
2. Mankind is totally depraved and sinful. This does not mean that we are as bad as we could be, but that sin has negatively impacted every component of existence (humanity & nature).
3. Because God is perfectly just (see #1 above), He must exercise punishment for sin. Because sins are against God, and God is infinite, the punishment must also be infinite. This situation is why hell is conscience eternal punishment for sin.
4. The God-man, Jesus Christ, Son of God, allowed God to maintain perfect justice and mankind to receive forgiveness by willingly accepting the wrath of God in our place. Jesus was a substitution for mankind on the cross. Jesus Christ was a suitable sacrifice because he was fully God, and therefore perfect, and fully man, therefore a suitable substitution for mankind. This substitution is unconditional grace. There is nothing we can do to earn this substitution, thus the term unconditional. It is all an act of the Godhead. Jesus conquered death by raising himself from the dead and is currently waiting in heaven for the appointed time for his second coming.
5. There are limits on effect of this substitution. Jesus substitution must be received. Not everyone will believe this message. Only those who repent (ask forgiveness and turn away from) of their sins and who believe this gospel message in their mind and internalize it in their hearts will be saved, converted, regenerated, become a Christian, follower of Christ, or whatever other synonymous phrase you prefer here.
6. When this act of God (a.k.a. salvation) occurs, it is irresistible. You can't stop it. If the Holy Spirit offers his grace to you, you will be saved. If you are saved, you will persevere throughout life and all eternity as a follower of Jesus Christ.
If you can read this brief summary and understand it, you still maybe are NOT a Christian. Followers of Christ (a.k.a. Christians) understand AND believe! In the words of John the Baptist, REPENT AND BELIEVE. PRAY TO GOD AND PLEAD FOR THE FAITH TO BELIEVE!
If you don't believe or understand any of the above, please contact me (joshua.flowers@hotmail.com). I would love the opportunity to share in more detail the message of the gospel.
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ~Romans 10:9-10
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Mystery of Christmas
This morning I was reading Acts 17 and again reminded of the amazing mystery of Christmas that has now been revealed. In the "B.C." years, people (mainly the Jews) looked for a coming Messiah that would restore God's rule. The mystery was revealed in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Read Paul's inspired words:
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” ~Acts 17:30-31
The Jews experienced a period of "ignorance" or mystery in which they did not fully understand what the the prophets spoke. For example, reading Isaiah 53 prior to the coming of Jesus could have been understood very differently than after Jesus (and these words were inspired 700 years before Christ!). "But now" God commands all people everywhere to repent. There is no exception period any longer because we didn't know. There is a coming day on which all will be judged. The standard of our judgment is Christ. Anyone who meets the standard of Christ will be restored to eternal fellowship with God in Heaven. Anyone falling short of the standard of Christ will be eternally separated in conscience punishment for failing to meet God's standard.
How can we meet the standard of Christ?! He was perfect. He never sinned. I can't go an hour a day without some sinful thought or action. In comes the beauty of the gospel!
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ~Romans 10:9-13
Here is a very simple recap of this passage:
1. IF you confess Jesus is Lord
2. AND believe God raised him from the dead
3. You will be saved
4. There is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles
5. Everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved.
Note the conditional "if" and then the promise of salvation stressed twice! Praise God that the Mystery of Christmas has been revealed in Jesus Christ, my risen Lord and Savior!
Merry Christmas to all! May the Spirit help you understand the words of God so that you too may experience salvation through the revealed mystery of Jesus Christ. I am always willing and eager to help any of you reading this better understand salvation in Jesus Christ. You may contact me via email at joshua.flowers@hotmail.com.
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” ~Acts 17:30-31
The Jews experienced a period of "ignorance" or mystery in which they did not fully understand what the the prophets spoke. For example, reading Isaiah 53 prior to the coming of Jesus could have been understood very differently than after Jesus (and these words were inspired 700 years before Christ!). "But now" God commands all people everywhere to repent. There is no exception period any longer because we didn't know. There is a coming day on which all will be judged. The standard of our judgment is Christ. Anyone who meets the standard of Christ will be restored to eternal fellowship with God in Heaven. Anyone falling short of the standard of Christ will be eternally separated in conscience punishment for failing to meet God's standard.
How can we meet the standard of Christ?! He was perfect. He never sinned. I can't go an hour a day without some sinful thought or action. In comes the beauty of the gospel!
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” ~Romans 10:9-13
Here is a very simple recap of this passage:
1. IF you confess Jesus is Lord
2. AND believe God raised him from the dead
3. You will be saved
4. There is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles
5. Everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved.
Note the conditional "if" and then the promise of salvation stressed twice! Praise God that the Mystery of Christmas has been revealed in Jesus Christ, my risen Lord and Savior!
Merry Christmas to all! May the Spirit help you understand the words of God so that you too may experience salvation through the revealed mystery of Jesus Christ. I am always willing and eager to help any of you reading this better understand salvation in Jesus Christ. You may contact me via email at joshua.flowers@hotmail.com.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Family Update
As with most people, we are in the busy Christmas season. Here is a little update on what is going on with our family.
Bryce is progressing very well with his school work. He has read me a few of his short story books and tonight he played me his first piano song (short, but good). Bryce continues to be the "character" in our family. He thrives on getting the laugh and when he gets it, it fuels him all the more. This sometimes leads to his inability to discern where "the line" is. Bryce has developed a perfectionistic mentality meaning there is drama nearly anytime he doesn't get it right or gets in trouble. Of course we have no idea where he is getting this from (ok, maybe we have a guess). The cooler weather in Louisville has kept the boy inside, but the boy has not refrained from running, shouting, and wielding his plastic guns and swords all through the house. I frequently thank God for the study I have in the basement to read and listen to the beautiful quiet.
Trista continues to amaze us with her quick wit and perception of reality. There is very little that escapes her and her ears and mind are always on. Her recent proficiency test indicated she is several grades ahead on her reading level and at least one grade ahead on every other subject. This is no doubt due in large part to the excellent teacher she has who has spent countless hours scouring the potential curriculums for the perfect combination for our children. Those of you who know my wife realize this is probably an understatement, not an overstatement. Trista generally requires less corrective discipline than what I would think normal for a 7-year old, but she likes to experiment to see how autonomous she can be. Trista’s favorite pastimes currently include reading and playing dolls. The natural feminine traits are clearly evident in our first child.
Carmen is constantly outdoing herself. This year almost all of the Christmas presents were bought by the first week in November. Christmas cookies were baked and frozen two weeks later. She completed another undergrad course this fall at Boyce College with a 98% average. I frequently walk through the kitchen in the morning and see her week long to do list and am amazed when I get home at the end of the day and see nearly everything crossed off. Her ability to get it done is incredible. Carmen continues to be an encourager to many through word and deed as well as maintain an incredible level of comfort in our home. Most weeks involve 5-6 made from scratch dinners which I am late for at 5:01pm. I don’t know whether to mandate she rest more or praise God for the strength, motivation, personality, drive, and ability he has given her.
I am currently reading for my last two 3-hour courses at SBTS. The time here has flown by at times and has crawled at others. The nearing end in a master’s degree is only the beginning because great responsibility does in fact come with great privilege. My time at SBTS has been a privilege that many in the world would give everything they own for. My job continues to be a blessing. The flexibility at work has truly been an incredible blessing from the Lord. I’ve worked 40 hours two weeks in a row now which has not happened in over three years. I realize few will sympathize with this situation, but I share it only as a testimony to the Lord’s provision.
Here are a couple things you can pray for us about:
Bryce is progressing very well with his school work. He has read me a few of his short story books and tonight he played me his first piano song (short, but good). Bryce continues to be the "character" in our family. He thrives on getting the laugh and when he gets it, it fuels him all the more. This sometimes leads to his inability to discern where "the line" is. Bryce has developed a perfectionistic mentality meaning there is drama nearly anytime he doesn't get it right or gets in trouble. Of course we have no idea where he is getting this from (ok, maybe we have a guess). The cooler weather in Louisville has kept the boy inside, but the boy has not refrained from running, shouting, and wielding his plastic guns and swords all through the house. I frequently thank God for the study I have in the basement to read and listen to the beautiful quiet.
Trista continues to amaze us with her quick wit and perception of reality. There is very little that escapes her and her ears and mind are always on. Her recent proficiency test indicated she is several grades ahead on her reading level and at least one grade ahead on every other subject. This is no doubt due in large part to the excellent teacher she has who has spent countless hours scouring the potential curriculums for the perfect combination for our children. Those of you who know my wife realize this is probably an understatement, not an overstatement. Trista generally requires less corrective discipline than what I would think normal for a 7-year old, but she likes to experiment to see how autonomous she can be. Trista’s favorite pastimes currently include reading and playing dolls. The natural feminine traits are clearly evident in our first child.
Carmen is constantly outdoing herself. This year almost all of the Christmas presents were bought by the first week in November. Christmas cookies were baked and frozen two weeks later. She completed another undergrad course this fall at Boyce College with a 98% average. I frequently walk through the kitchen in the morning and see her week long to do list and am amazed when I get home at the end of the day and see nearly everything crossed off. Her ability to get it done is incredible. Carmen continues to be an encourager to many through word and deed as well as maintain an incredible level of comfort in our home. Most weeks involve 5-6 made from scratch dinners which I am late for at 5:01pm. I don’t know whether to mandate she rest more or praise God for the strength, motivation, personality, drive, and ability he has given her.
I am currently reading for my last two 3-hour courses at SBTS. The time here has flown by at times and has crawled at others. The nearing end in a master’s degree is only the beginning because great responsibility does in fact come with great privilege. My time at SBTS has been a privilege that many in the world would give everything they own for. My job continues to be a blessing. The flexibility at work has truly been an incredible blessing from the Lord. I’ve worked 40 hours two weeks in a row now which has not happened in over three years. I realize few will sympathize with this situation, but I share it only as a testimony to the Lord’s provision.
Here are a couple things you can pray for us about:
- We are seeking out people daily that need the Lord. We know the Holy Spirit works to regenerate and are praying to be allowed to participate in the harvest with the Spirit.
- We ask the Lord to make clear his plans for the home we own in Louisville. It is our hope to sell it, but the Lord may want us to rent it or do something else that has not yet been revealed.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
A Thanksgiving Reflection
A holiday like Thanksgiving may be easy for some to go through without giving much thought as to whom we are actually thankful. Life and possessions are objects of gratitude, but less frequently I think is gratitude directed to the originations of these blessings. Some might rightly be thankful to Squanto and other Indians that helped the first pilgrims hundreds of years ago. Some might rightly be thankful to the military that provides a relatively high level of security as compared to most other countries in the world. Some might be thankful to their parents for raising them and providing a nurturing home in which to grow. While these people and actions are great things to be thankful for, I share a thanksgiving prayer of David that I read this morning.
David continues this prayer in amazement at the provision and promises of God. Romans 5:8 speaks of the greatest provision God could have possibly orchestrated. Romans 10:9 speaks of the greatest promise God has made.
Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that you have died for me!
"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, 'Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?'" ~2 Samuel 7:9
David continues this prayer in amazement at the provision and promises of God. Romans 5:8 speaks of the greatest provision God could have possibly orchestrated. Romans 10:9 speaks of the greatest promise God has made.
Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that you have died for me!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A Story Highlighting the Need for Gospel Change in the World
I am generally supportive of capitalism and rewarding those who risk investment money for potential gains. However, my support is always subordinate to my Christian worldview and is superseded by biblical mandates. I was recently made aware of a story in Uganda that literally made me sick to my stomach. Enterprise at the cost of human life is not new to humanity's sinful condition. However, the Internet has allowed us the ability to quickly disseminate information that reminds us all of the vastness of evil. As you read and watch this story, prepare yourself for an extreme manifestation of evil in our world and pray for the incredible need for gospel change in the world.
The Wisdom of Godly Fear
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. ~Psalm 2:10-11
I'm finishing up a class on cultural anthropology. Some of you may wonder, "why take a social science course at a theological institution?" Well, I'm glad you asked. In part, it has to do with fear. I'll explain. Over 40% of the world is animistic. Animism is a belief system that spiritual forces inhabit every created thing and efforts must be made to appease these spiritual beings. Does 40% sound high (it did to me)? What about saying, "C'mon baby, take us to work" when trying to start your car in the morning? How about the common phrase about giving "the evil eye" or even "the look" to someone with whom you are angry? Even the phrase "good luck" can bear some animistic influence. I haven't even mentioned Halloween yet. These examples are typical in the US and don't even begin to address widespread animistic practices in majority world countries.
The key paradigm in animistic cultures is fear verses power. Fear dominates people and drives them to exert power over spiritual beings or other people. In Psalm 2, David encourages leaders to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. In the US, discussions of one's fears rarely indicate fear of God as a primary concern. Many people are fearful about finances, relationships, health and many other tangible human experiences, but they give little thought to God in day to day decisions of life. These indictments apply to Christians, in church three times a week and baptized as a child! If the Church does not fear God, what message does that communicate to the world?
Listen to Luke's inspired message: "4 I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" (Luke 12:4-5). What fears are driving our lives? Do we recognize the holiness and power of God? Do we understand the eternal consequences at stake when we chose to live sold out for Jesus Christ?
Monday, October 31, 2011
Knowing God's Will
I am reading a book co-authored by Jerry Rankin and Ed Stetzer titled Spiritual Warfare and Missions: The Battle for God's Glory Among the Nations. Throughout the book the authors have been identifying manifestations of evil that detract from the glorification of God by his people.
I hit an extremely convicting section of the book that demonstrates how self-centered I am. Over the last several years, my wife and I have been desperately praying for God to reveal his will for our lives. We want to serve God in the way that provides most glory to God so it seems logical for us to pray to ask God to tell us what we should do. If you look back through the preceding two sentences, you'll notice how me focused my desire to serve God is. The authors of this book challenge their readers to pray to discern what God's will is...period. My focus needs to be on God, not on me. I don't need my best life now; I need to know God. God will reveal his will for my life (secondary concern) when I am focused on discerning God's will (primary concern). Self-righteousness is such an easy trap to fall into. May I genuinely desire to speak the words of my Lord, "not my will, but thine be done!"
I hit an extremely convicting section of the book that demonstrates how self-centered I am. Over the last several years, my wife and I have been desperately praying for God to reveal his will for our lives. We want to serve God in the way that provides most glory to God so it seems logical for us to pray to ask God to tell us what we should do. If you look back through the preceding two sentences, you'll notice how me focused my desire to serve God is. The authors of this book challenge their readers to pray to discern what God's will is...period. My focus needs to be on God, not on me. I don't need my best life now; I need to know God. God will reveal his will for my life (secondary concern) when I am focused on discerning God's will (primary concern). Self-righteousness is such an easy trap to fall into. May I genuinely desire to speak the words of my Lord, "not my will, but thine be done!"
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ~Romans 12:2
Monday, September 26, 2011
I Wanna Be Rich...
I just read this profound observation by anthropologist Marshall Sahlins. He says there are two ways to be wealthy: to have more, or to want less.
How does that strike you living in the West? It is so easy to violate the 2nd and 10th commandments (Exodus 20 for those of you needing a reminder) when so many people have so much stuff. So many in our culture in the US have literally "bought in" to the lie that stuff matters. We are such idolatrous creatures! Read what the second wisest man who ever lived said, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). How simple is this command in theory; how difficult in practice! How much glory could we reflect on God if we could only obey the simple commands he gives us?!
I have friend and brother living in Lima, Peru that recently witnessed a different perspective on being wealthy that could help many of us living in the affluence of the US. Read here. As this story articulates, I pray that we all desire to be wealthy by avoiding "all this stuff."
How does that strike you living in the West? It is so easy to violate the 2nd and 10th commandments (Exodus 20 for those of you needing a reminder) when so many people have so much stuff. So many in our culture in the US have literally "bought in" to the lie that stuff matters. We are such idolatrous creatures! Read what the second wisest man who ever lived said, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). How simple is this command in theory; how difficult in practice! How much glory could we reflect on God if we could only obey the simple commands he gives us?!
I have friend and brother living in Lima, Peru that recently witnessed a different perspective on being wealthy that could help many of us living in the affluence of the US. Read here. As this story articulates, I pray that we all desire to be wealthy by avoiding "all this stuff."
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Time as Precious Gift
I was given a birthday card from someone several years ago that had a bookmark included with it. The prayer on the bookmark reads as follows:
"Lord, I have too much to do, but it's all important. Help me to set priorities so that I don't feel lost in the pace and the pressure. Give me the wisdom and energy to accomplish what's necessary without wasting time or effort. And help me make the best use of my day, remembering that time is a precious gift from You."
My friend saw my pace of life, and frankly the pace of many Americans, and knew this would be a poignant reminder of my obligation to steward my time wisely. We all have the same number of hours in a day. When our days are fulfilled, our legacy will be determined by how we used those hours.
I use this bookmark frequently (and for those of you who don't know, seminary students read a LOT) as a reminder to try and steward a precious gift from God.
Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words. ~Exodus 5:9
"Lord, I have too much to do, but it's all important. Help me to set priorities so that I don't feel lost in the pace and the pressure. Give me the wisdom and energy to accomplish what's necessary without wasting time or effort. And help me make the best use of my day, remembering that time is a precious gift from You."
My friend saw my pace of life, and frankly the pace of many Americans, and knew this would be a poignant reminder of my obligation to steward my time wisely. We all have the same number of hours in a day. When our days are fulfilled, our legacy will be determined by how we used those hours.
I use this bookmark frequently (and for those of you who don't know, seminary students read a LOT) as a reminder to try and steward a precious gift from God.
Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words. ~Exodus 5:9
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Target of Spiritual Warfare
I'm taking a class on spiritual warfare this semester so this is a topic I'll be reflecting on over the next several months. One of the interesting characteristics is understanding Satan's target in spiritual warfare. Here are a few of my most recent thoughts.
Post modern, post Christian society has unfortunately influenced evangelicalism to believe or at least lean toward thinking about how important we as human beings are. In secular thinking, man has accomplished much including cures for disease, space travel, and other incredible results of scientific ingenuity. Those in the church world "christianize" this same thinking. We elevate great preachers, feel warm and cozy in thinking how much God loves us, and try to "evangelize" others by telling them God loves them too. Don't over-estimate my sarcasm. God does love the world (John 3:16), but the emphasis on humanity has gone too far at the expense of an emphasis on almighty God. Why does God love the world? Not because we are anything in and of ourselves, but because we are a source of potential glory for him. Our eternal value lies in our ability to worship almighty God, not in our ability to memorize Bible verses or offer cold water in Jesus' name.
I am reading Spiritual Warfare by Jerry Rankin. Here is an interesting excerpt:
"Why does God predestine us to be conformed to the image of Christ? It is in order to glorify Him. Satan tempts us to sin in order to keep God from being glorified. We have an enemy that is intent on robbing God of His glory in our lives. God is glorified when we are conformed to the image of Christ and live like Him." (8).
Rankin's point here is that we are not the ultimate target. Satan's attacks on our lives through spiritual warfare is a means to an end. Satan's ultimate end is to limit the glory we provide to God. How are your and my responses to Satan's attacks helping him accomplish his goals?
So what does this mean for us as followers of Christ? Our life purpose is "to be conformed to the image of His Son." (Romans 8:29) Satan's desire is to distract us from glorifying God. God is Satan's target in spiritual warfare. Our inclination is to feel sorry for ourselves or get frustrated when we experience Satan's attacks. Instead we must be filled with righteous indignation at Satan's attempts to rob God of glory and be driven all the more to magnify our LORD!
Post modern, post Christian society has unfortunately influenced evangelicalism to believe or at least lean toward thinking about how important we as human beings are. In secular thinking, man has accomplished much including cures for disease, space travel, and other incredible results of scientific ingenuity. Those in the church world "christianize" this same thinking. We elevate great preachers, feel warm and cozy in thinking how much God loves us, and try to "evangelize" others by telling them God loves them too. Don't over-estimate my sarcasm. God does love the world (John 3:16), but the emphasis on humanity has gone too far at the expense of an emphasis on almighty God. Why does God love the world? Not because we are anything in and of ourselves, but because we are a source of potential glory for him. Our eternal value lies in our ability to worship almighty God, not in our ability to memorize Bible verses or offer cold water in Jesus' name.
I am reading Spiritual Warfare by Jerry Rankin. Here is an interesting excerpt:
"Why does God predestine us to be conformed to the image of Christ? It is in order to glorify Him. Satan tempts us to sin in order to keep God from being glorified. We have an enemy that is intent on robbing God of His glory in our lives. God is glorified when we are conformed to the image of Christ and live like Him." (8).
Rankin's point here is that we are not the ultimate target. Satan's attacks on our lives through spiritual warfare is a means to an end. Satan's ultimate end is to limit the glory we provide to God. How are your and my responses to Satan's attacks helping him accomplish his goals?
So what does this mean for us as followers of Christ? Our life purpose is "to be conformed to the image of His Son." (Romans 8:29) Satan's desire is to distract us from glorifying God. God is Satan's target in spiritual warfare. Our inclination is to feel sorry for ourselves or get frustrated when we experience Satan's attacks. Instead we must be filled with righteous indignation at Satan's attempts to rob God of glory and be driven all the more to magnify our LORD!
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