Mediation on the Spiritual Discipline of Study: Introduction

It has been way to long since my last posting. Since my last posting, I have spent much of that time (besides working) studying the faith and reason relationship further. Currently, I am in the midst of writing a paper on the challenge of philosophy for the Christian. One of my sub-points will be dealing with how philosophy stimulates the spiritual discipline of study.

This sub-point, though not written yet, has got me thinking on a new series on examining the spiritual discipline of study. The key passage for this series will be 2 Timothy 2:14-26, with the focal verse being fifteen: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth."

Every believer needs to keep close to our first love! It is my prayer that this new series will encourage people to get passionate for studying God's living Word.

Are These the Days of Ezekiel?: What Should We Think of the Emerging Church?

To begin this series I have opted to refer you two articles written by R. Albert Mohler Jr. on the issue of the emerging church. The point in doing this is to introduce you to more of the issues involved with this movement that is sweapping across the United States and a few other countries.

What Should We Think of the Emerging Church? Part One
By R. Albert Mohler Jr.
Christian Post Columnist
Wednesday, Jun. 29 2005
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050629/6355_What_Should_We_Think_of_the_Emerging_Church%3F_Part_One.htm

What Should We Think of the Emerging Church? Part Two

By R. Albert Mohler Jr.

Christian Post Columnist

Thursday, June 30, 2005
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050630/6356_What_Should_We_Think_of_the_Emerging_Church%3F_Part_Two.htm

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. is president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. For more articles and resources by Dr. Mohler, and for information on The Albert Mohler Program, a daily national radio program broadcast on the Salem Radio Network, go to www.albertmohler.com. For information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to www.sbts.edu. Send feedback to mail@albertmohler.com. Original Source: Crosswalk.com

New Book on the Problem of Evil

This past Fall I was given the opportunity to review Carmen C. DiCello's latest work Why? Reflections on the Problem of Evil. DiCello's last work can be found at www.wipfandstock.com and www.amazon.com.

Since 1992, Carmen has served as associate and senior pastor in various churches. Currently, Carmen is both a public school teacher and adjunct professor at Columbia Evangelical Seminary in Longview Washington.

Here is what I have to say about this recent work that tackles the problem of evil: "In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the philosophical issues surrounding the problem of evil, which has plagued the minds of philosophers, theologians, and common folk alike. How can this happen to me? And, why? How can God be all-powerful and all-loving and yet allow evil to occur? These are among the many complex questions that have been raised throughout the centuries. Dr. DiCello provides a fresh look at the problem of evil in a postmodern era, approaching the subject from a solidly biblical-theological perspective. Furthermore, he challenges his readers to do the same. DiCello does not answer all the questions that arise when considering the problem of evil, but he does encourage his readers to search the Scriptures and to seek the face of God for solutions."

Are These the Days of Ezekiel?: Introduction

I have titled this new series Are These the Days of Ezekiel? because in the past few years there has been a movement with in the church to reach the unchurched that resembles the days in which the prophet Ezekiel ministered. This movement is known as the emerging church movement.

This movement in a brief summary general emphasizes the following features:

1. A flexible approach to and continual reexamination of theology which causes them to see faith as a journey rather than a destination, and to accept differences in beliefs and morals.

2. A belief in creating communities built out of the creativity of those who are a part of each local body.

3. A holistic view of the role of the church in society. This can mean anything from a higher degree of emphasis on social action, building relationships with the surrounding community, or Christian outreach.

4. Creative approaches to worship and spiritual reflection. This can involve everything from the use of contemporary music and films to liturgy, as well as more ancient customs and more eclectic spirituality with a goal of making the church more appealing to postmodern people.

5. Use of the Internet as a dominant medium of communication through various blogs, websites and online videos. Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_Church

This series will focus on four texts from the Book of Ezekiel. I will be doing exposition on the following texts from Ezekiel in this series: Ezekiel 6:1-14-- Idolatrous Worship Denounced; Ezekiel 13:1-23-- False Prophets Condemned; Ezekiel 14:1-11-- Idolatrous Elders Condemned; and Ezekiel 34:1-10-- Prophecy against the Shepherds of Israel. I may in fact do something with Ezekiel's vision in chapter 10 of the glory of the Lord departing the temple as well.

The whole point of this series is to "ascribe to the Lord the glory that is due to His name; worship the Lord in holy array" (Psalm 29:2).

New Series Coming Soon

Hopefully this week I will be able to start a new series. This particular series will be entitled Are These the Days of Ezekiel? In this series I will be doing exposition on four crucial texts in Ezekiel that need to be proclaimed today. This series is important because of a new trend that is effecting how the church is doing church.

Thought to Ponder

As I have driving back and forth to work this week, I pass by a church that has a sign out front with the following words on it: Not Resolution But Regeneration.

I am quite sure they posted the sign for the new year since many at this time of year make new year resolutions as I mentioned in a previous posting. I agree with the logic and theological truth behind the words posted on the church's sign. People are in need of regeneration more than they are of resolution(s).

But here is my thought to ponder--what impact does this sign have for those who have truly experienced God's saving grace? Are believers not to seek out resolution? Cannot resolution at times mean reconciliation?

If you look up the word in a dictionary, you will learn that is is the case. In fact here is the dictionary definition of resolution:

1. resolving of something: the process of resolving something the resolution of a difficulty

2. joint formal expression of opinion: a formal expression of the consensus at a meeting, arrived at after discussion and usually as the result of a vote

3. decision: a firm decision to do something

4. determination: firmness of mind or purpose

5. electronic engineering reproduction of detail in an image: the level of reproduction of detail offered by a TV or computer screen or a film image

6. solution: an answer to a problem

7. physics chemistry separation into constituent parts: the process or act of separating something such as a chemical compound or a source of light into its constituent parts

8. medicine subsiding: the disappearance or coming to an end of symptom or condition such as fever or inflammation

9. music satisfactory conclusion of a harmonic pattern: the movement from a dissonant to a consonant chord or note

10. music final note in a harmonic progression: the note or chord to which the harmony moves when progressing from dissonance to consonance

11. theater part of a story when conflict is resolved: the point in a dramatic work when the conflict is resolved

12. physics See resolving power

13. poetry syllable replacement: the substitution of a long syllable for two short ones in the
rhythm of a line of poetry

[14th century. Directly and via Old French from, ultimately, Latin resolut- , the past participle stem of resolvere (see resolve).]Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

So this there any meaning in this church's sign to the believer? How can a believer seek out regeneration with they have truly be saved by God's grace? They simply cannot. Once saved, always saved. . .if and only if, there was a truly conversion experience! So does not the believer need to seek out resolution and not regeneration?

A New Year and New Resolutions

As a new year has dawned a few days ago, many people have made New Year Resolutions. Many of these resolutions will be broken in a matter of days. Some may be upheld for months. A few will actually keep their resolutions and see them lived out.

As 2007 begins, I would like draw our attentions to a few of the resolutions that Jonathan Edwards made in 1722-23.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, Ido humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep theseResolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.


Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or neverso many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to bemy duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many andhow great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some newinvention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect tokeep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor sufferit, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, orvanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend tohis dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him. (Resolutions 1 through 21 written in on setting in New Haven in 1722)

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to east away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission before the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly andfrequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictlyby the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, thatthat in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure andsimple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty,as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God,which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never hence forward, till I die, to act as if I were anyway my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is tobe found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.

44. Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influenceat all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13, 1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects ofit, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not mostagreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace_able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, thatI may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that whenI come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praise worthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill natureand anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 2, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and notto man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of there petitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm119. July 26, and Aug. 10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, andair of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, exceptit should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion,also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723 End.

--Jonathan Edwards--"The great end of God's works, which is so variously expressed inScripture, is indeed but ONE, and this one end is most properly andcomprehensively called, THE GLORY OF GOD."

***There can be NO application of truth if there is no comprehension of it.***

May you and your family have a blessed year. It is my prayer that each of us grow closer to the Lord this year!

Journey to the Manger: Part II

Meditation on Luke 2:1-20

"Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them" (NASB95).

Christmas is now basically right around the corner. It is merely a little over 24 hours away. Hopeful you are finished or nearly finished with your holiday shopping. With all the hussle of the season, I hope that you have found time to spend mediating on the true reason for the season in the midst of the choas.

Hopefully you can spend the next two days with friends and family. But more importantly, hopefully you will take time to celebrate and worship Christ's birth. Find time to read the account of Christ's birth with your family this season. Give thanks to God for giving us his only son.