The Furthest Galexy Cluster Measured

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4, ESV).

This is JKCS041 - The furthest galaxy cluster measured so far.

The vastness of God's incredible creation is absolutely astounding!

Biblically Critiquing Pastors and Teachers

This past weekend I attended a "Christian" women's conference that jump-started my thoughts how to properly make biblical judgements and how and why to critique preachers and speakers in a biblical manner.

At this conference Bibles were not used, the Gospel was not preached, Jesus and the cross were ignored and replaced with woman empowerment. Needless to say, the conference was far from edifying.

The best way to guard yourself from false teaching is to know the truth and know how to correctly handle the truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) So that is my goal this week, to learn how to correctly handle the truth.

From GotQuestions.org

Paul instructs the Ephesians, we are to “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). Rather, we are to “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” and we do this by “the knowledge of the Son of God” (v. 13). The knowledge of Christ can only be obtained through the Word of God, and it is by that Word that we distinguish between the true and the false.

In the book of Matthew (7:15-20), Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"

If a church or ministry has is not producing good fruits, then you can know that there is something wrong with the teaching.

What is "Good Fruit"?

• Good fruit (Matthew 7:17) is that which occurs when the Holy Spirit is present. Romans 8:9 says that we are controlled by the Spirit (rather than our sinful nature) the moment we believe in Christ. The fruit of the spirit is the the work He does in the hearts and minds of believers to conform them to the image of Christ. It is the inevitable transformation that takes place in true followers of Christ.
• "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."- Galations 5:22-23
• Matthew 7:1 - Every good tree bears good fruit and every bad tree bears bad fruit.

Sermon/Teaching Discernment:

The apostle John tells us in his first epistle (1 John 4:1-6) how we are to discern which spirits are from God. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” - From GotQuestions.org

Only through the work of the Holy Spirit will you be able to discern what is true and what is not. However, I believe that if you are at all concerned about truthfulness in teaching, that is proof that the Holy Spirit is in you. If honest, God-centered, Biblical teaching is something you desire, here are three questions that you can ask whenever you hear a sermon by a new preacher.

1. What does this teacher/pastor say about Jesus? It must be in line with the Jesus of the Bible and not some made up idea of Jesus.
2. Does this teacher/pastor preach the Gospel? 2 John 9 says that "Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God."
3. Does this person exhibit character qualities that glorify the Lord?

Questions I Ask:

When I hear a preacher/Christian speaker for the first time, this is usually the process that I go through in my head.

1. Is this God-centered theology or man-centered theology? Usually you can tell right away.
2. How does this person handle scripture? As an advice column or a revelation from God?
3. Does any of this contradict what I already know to be true about God and the Bible? If what they teach does not line up with the Bible, it is not a good teaching.
4. Did I learn about God through this sermon/message?

Other things I take into consideration:

• Is this a comedy show or a sermon?
• Does this person ever talk about sin and hell? If not, they are not teaching the Bible accurately.
• Does this person focus only on sin and hell? Again, that is not accurate teaching.

Be Careful Little Mouths What You Say

Recently I was reading an article by Tim Challies and something he reminded me of something very important to keep in mind to when critiquing something or someone online, particularly those who are Pastors. We need to be cautious and careful about what we say online, especially if it is about a person. Whatever we say should be something we could say to them face to face. In this article Tim was talking about Pastor Mark Driscoll. Tim is responding to some of his readers that were obviously not fans of Driscoll:

We need to be certain that in our critiques we do not say things that we’d never say to him face-to-face and that we do not treat him as a guy that, since he is so remote from us, is somehow less human than we are. It’s an obvious point, I know, but in this depersonalized online world it’s worth reminding ourselves of it quite often. - Tim Challies

This struck a cord with me this week because lately I've been critiquing certain teachers in my head and I've even become angry with some of these teachers, all of whom I do not known personally. Even though I believe I have good reason to be critical of these teachers, I do not want to turn into a person that harbors bitterness and does not choose to love these people regardless of whether or not they are true believers.

So far, there have been very few instances where I've publicly spoken out against a specific person or ministry, but if I do write about people (particularly Pastors or teachers) I try to make sure that I am not dehumanizing them and saying things I wouldn't say to them face to face. I need to keep this in mind when I'm critiquing in my head as well! The goal in critiquing (at least in my view) is not to humiliate, be rude or hurtful, be disrespectful, or manipulate someone to thinking the way I do. The goal is to re-enforce truth. In the case of critiquing a Pastor, teacher, or ministry, the goal is to make sure that Christ is receiving the glory He deserves!

In regards to the article on Driscoll, Tim makes the point that people are truly being saved through Mark's ministry because He is preaching the Gospel! The man has good solid Biblical theology behind his teaching. Driscoll's critics usually choose to ignore that and instead they choose to pick apart his personality and his style of teaching. The truth is that we can see the fruits of this ministry (Matthew 7:15-20). There is wonderful fruit that continues to multiply out of that ministry each year. Regardless of how people feel about Mark's over-the-top personality, they have no place in arguing that his ministry is in any way fruitless.

If a ministry is not preaching the Gospel of Christ...that's another story. In this case you definitely have a reason for critique! My next post will be about Biblical Critiquing. Since I have been struggling with critiquing and judgments lately I feel its a good time to do some studying on what the Bible says about it.

Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North

Psalm 11

I was up all night last night worrying about anything and everything. I finally fell asleep at about 6 this morning. I've always been one to worry way too much. My mother was a worrier and somehow as I was growing up, I became a worrier as well. It stems from wanting to be in careful control of everything and wanting me and my family to be as safe as possible. The last thing I want my daughter to learn from me is how to worry. The world is definitely a scary place these days but it is also under the complete control of God and He is worthy to be trusted. The Lord loves justice, nothing will go unnoticed! This morning I began a new Bible Reading plan that had be beginning with Psalm 10 and 11. God used this passage to remind me that he is always there and he is watching closely. He is my protection and there is no need to worry.

1 I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! 2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. 3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. 5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. 6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. 7 For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.

Isaiah 6:1-7

This portion of scripture has come up quite a bit in my studies in the past several months. It is one of my favorite scripture passages because it gives us a clear view of what is to happen when we encounter the holy God of the Bible. After seeing the LORD in all of his glory, Isaiah's response is, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!"

Isaiah's response to seeing the LORD was repentance. He saw God in all of his glory, and his first responses were 1) Woe is me, 2) I am lost, and 3) I am a man of unclean lips. His first 3 statements all dealt with his own sinfulness. He understood his need for cleansing! I pray that I may always, before anything else, recognize my own wretched sin and understand my own need for cleansing, and that I may know that God reigns supreme through every circumstance and he will grant me love and mercy if I am consistently surrendering my life to Him.

Hosanna!

Offend God or Man?

Live with a fear of offending God rather than a fear of offending man. -- Todd Friel

This is such a simple little quote but it has quite an impact when you really think about it.  When we sin we are offending God and much of the way we live today is sinful and offensive to God.  I want to live in a way that is pleasing to the LORD, and if I offend men in the process, then so be it! Easier said than done, I know.  

Be a Biblical Theologian

This morning I read an article on Christianity.com titled:

A Healthy Church Member is a Biblical Theologian

We can attend church for years without truly knowing God. I think the writer of this article is exactly right by saying that a healthy church member is a biblical theologian. If you do not have a thorough understanding of what the Bible says about God you are living with an ignorance of truth. God wants us to know Him and not just know of Him.

We can know God! I think its amazing how quickly we forget that God is not supposed to be just a part of our life, he is the central figure, the ruler in our lives. The Bible was written to help us understand and know Him. The Bible would not be here if God did not want us to know Him.

We can all be Biblical Theologians by:

- Reading God's Word. That means reading it from start to finish to accurately gain an understanding of who God is. This will help us to discern what is true and what is false regarding what our culture teaches us about God.
- Maintain a good understanding of biblical, historical, and systematic theology.
- Obeying His commands given to us in the Bible.

"Without a well-formed theology, including an accurate understanding of how God’s commands are to be understood in their historical development and context, it is difficult indeed to obey the Lord’s command to teach others to obey. What shall we teach? What shall we obey? How shall we know what to apply to our lives? These questions are better answered when Christians are knowledgeable of biblical theology and know their God." - from the article above.

It used to bother me that I had no idea what I believed in many areas of theology. I remember a friend of mine who had a statement of faith written out on an AIM profile and I thought to myself, "That's a great list. He really knows what He believes. What DO I believe?" Instead of living in ignorance, I chose to devote my life to understanding what the Bible says about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit. There is no knowledge more important than the knowledge of God.

The Value of Wisdom

I have often heard people speak of life verses - a verse that stands out to you and is particularly meaningful that you commit to memory and you keep it with you all the days of your life. Today I read Proverbs 2: 1-5 and these verses on the value of wisdom really struck me. I'm not sure if I would label this passage as my life verse but I will definitely commit to memorizing it.

My entire worldview must be shaped by the things of God, and not this world. The only way to understand the fear of the Lord and to gain any knowledge of God is to constantly seek wisdom through His word. Without the knowledge of God we know nothing, just the lies that men have created. Without understanding God's purpose and will for His people, we are literally hopeless. Wisdom is key to surviving :)

Proverbs 2: 1-5 -

My Son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

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Oh How I Agree!

John Adams
2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

"Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be."

_{--Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.}

Wait on the Lord

But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31

Trusting in God's plan and waiting on Him has got to be one of my biggest struggles. I worry, worry, and worry and what good can ever come of it? The only way to find strength is to wait on Him always and trust that He is in control of the situation no matter what it may be - whether it be a national issue or a personal issue, I need to let go of my desire to be in control and allow God to do what He will with my country, with my state, with my marriage, with my daughter, and with me. It is my focus this year to wait on the LORD in every situation that arises, especially those things which physically are out of my control.


Interesting enough, my favorite song for the past month has been this:

While I'm Waiting by John Waller


I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

You can hear the song and the rest of the album by clicking here. You can also hear it in the movie Fireproof.

A New Year of Resolutions

With it being a new year and me being a wretched sinner and all, I have been thinking quite a bit about personal resolutions lately.

What could I resolve to do better this year? What aspects of my personality need to be completely reformed? What sins do I commit regularly? What will improve my walk with the Lord? What things that I could pray for, what are things that I could do that would be beautiful in the sight of God (and not in the world)? I sin so many times a day and God forgives me for each of these sins. He is SO merciful towards me and how do I repay him? All I can do is repent daily and choose to make my decisions based on his standards. I repent - but not nearly enough; I endeavor to do better, but not nearly enough.

To my amazement, our pastor on Sunday referred to Jonathan Edwards 70 Resolutions that he would read each week. The sermon wasn't even about resolutions, it was about prayer and encouragement and the sermon was derived from Romans 15:30-33. I couldn't help but wonder though, 70 resolutions by Jonathan Edwards? What are these resolutions? I did not know about these resolutions before Sunday (I know, shocker!) and as I read them today I could not help but be amazed with every resolution.

From now on, I resolve to create my own list of resolutions that I will read on a regular basis, in addition to reading Jonathan Edwards resolutions from time to time. Every time God teaches me some way I can glorify him with my life, I will write it down. This will serve as my own personal reminder to keep God the central focus of my life, and not myself.

As for your average New Years Resolutions list, I did resolve 20 tasks to accomplish this year and you can find this on my Biblical Homekeeping blog - you can my list here.

You can read the full list of Jonathan Edwards resolutions here. I highly recommend it!

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