Learning Submission During Advent

"Jesus' life began in a stable and ended on the cross between two criminals. His apostle Paul said he wanted to proclaim nothing but this crucified Christ. We, too, have nothing to hold on to execpt this Christ. We must ask ourselves again and again: Are we willing to go His way, from the stable to the cross? As disciples we are not promised comfortable and good times. Jesus says we must deny ourselves and suffer with Him and for Him. that is the only way to follow Him, but behind it all lies the glory of life, the glowing love of God, which is so much greater than our hearts and our lives."

J. Heinrich Arnold

Days of Silent Desperation

I am experiencing one of those seasons of life when it seems I am up against an insurmountable wall. As I try to climb over it I keep losing my footing, and disappointment arrives just as I am expecting victory. In these days as I cry out to God, "Lord, I need you to come through for me," and disappointment arrives I relate to the words of Job "Behold, I go forward but he is not there, and backward, but I cannot behold him; when he acts on the left, I cannot perceive him; he turns on the right, I cannot see him. But he knows the way I take." (Job 23:8-10)

I have felt so tempted to express disappointment and anger while accusing God of withholding good from me. I realized this week that I was at a crossroads. I had a choice to act in direct inconsistency with every thing I claim to believe, allowing my frustrating circumstances to define me, and dictate my emotions, or I could walk in all I hold to be true. God loves me. Difficult times come and shape our character, but they do not destroy children of the King. I am a child of God, not by virtue or effort, but because of God's love, demonstrated by Christ and His death on the cross.

Some thoughts came to mind. First, when I stop and look I can recognize God providing for us during a difficult time. We have not been forgotten. Second, we have great examples of faith in the face of adversity. Some dear friends have become models of faith for our family. Recently they sent this e-mail describing their battle with cancer:

"The cancer has spread to her liver, and spleen in the form of numerous lesions and some more involvement with bones. MRI’s are scheduled a couple of weeks from now to assess the bone situation. This cancer (Thymoma) is slow growing and is not particularly responsive to chemo. At this time she is not planning any sort of treatment regimen. Although I am always caught off guard by news of the onset of these episodes, it is not for lack of God sending ample information to bolster us up. On the Thursday night just prior to getting this news, [WE] read something together entitled “Expectancy” in “Our Daily Bread”. It was written months ago to be read on October 1st. There is no doubt that it was to help prepare us for the news coming on the afternoon of October 2nd.

“With a handful of Cheerios, I tiptoed across the deck in my backyard trying to sneak up on the fish in the pond. Perhaps it was my shadow on the water … or maybe I wasn’t as sneaky as I thought. As I approached the railing, 15 enormous goldfish raced toward me, their large mouths frantically opening and closing in eager anticipation of an expected treat. So, why did the fish so furiously flap their fins? Because my mere presence set off a conditioned response in their tiny fish brains that told them I had something special to give them. If only we always had such a response to God and His desire to give us good gifts – a response based on our past experience with Him that flows from a deep-seated knowledge of His character. When we as God’s children are living in faith, we can have an exciting expectancy and a quiet confidence that God will give us exactly what we need, when we need it.” By Cindy Hess Kasper

Indeed, [OUR] experience of having received great and wonderful gifts from God have conditioned us to expect that He will use every one of our life experiences for His Glory and our good. We are expecting yet another miracle."

This is not the first e-mail we have received from them. Some have been soul crushing, some filled with the amazing, and all have been filled with trust while facing the impossible. How small my problems seem in comparison. How embarrassing to struggle with trust when situations are compared. I thank God for the example of my friends, and the hope they bring to my faith.

Caedmon’s Call sings a song that expresses what I am attempting to express. It is called "Always Been there"

We’ve all got our burdens
Our secrets and our shames,
We’ve all been discouraged
and watched love fall in flames,
and when we hit the bottom
of all that we can bear
When we need you...
You’re rising like the morning sun
A pillar in the night
You looked into the void
and called it light
You are faithfully providing
for the trouble that we share
When we need you you’ve always been there.

Whoa! How did I end up here?

Senior year in High School I remember the push to define what we wanted to do with our lives. the road I've traveled since then has been much different than I had pictured. I find it helpful at times to inventory and ponder the road that led me where I am. For that purpose I write this post.

The first influences in my life were my parents. Early in life I was taught to believe in God from my mother who is a devout Roman Catholic, as her parents are, and as theirs were as well. It was a passing down of faith, and my mother promised the church to do her part seeing that her children would be raised in the Catholic Church. She kept that promise despite my father and his lack of religion devotion. I choose the word religion because I would never accuse my father of not having faith. During my childhood he was not a regular church attendee. If I understand the situation correctly his issues revolved around a poor example of church discipline in a small Baptist Church which lead him to cast off religious expectation excluding the cultural ones involving Christmas and Easter attendance. My father never fought against our mother’s attempt to raise us in the church. I never remember him denying God's existence, or arguing with my mother about religion. In fact he even paid for our attendance at a private Catholic school (Asheville Catholic) for the first few years of our education.

I can identify a consistent belief in God that can be traced back to my early days in school. I remember having a discussion (as much as one can have) at lunch with my friends in the second grade. We were discussing the theology of angels, although at that time we didn' t know that. Gulping down our chocolate milk we were pondering if it was true that Satan was an angel. I also remember being fascinated by the priest and his role in the mass. My school attended mass weekly and I remember once being sent to the principals office for mimicking the priests actions as he blessed the Eucharist. My reprimand ensured one future career option was closed.

After the birth of my first sister we started attending public school at Haw Creek Elementary. When my father spoke to us about this transition, I wanted him to think I was brave and did not mind the change. However, I was nervous. Anyone who knew me back then would probably describe me as extremely shy. Already at a young age I was dealing with an obstacle called the fear of man. It was during my sixth to tenth grade years when I was taught this was a problem of self-esteem. today I properly understand it to be a problem of pride. It was not so much that I disliked myself, in fact I loved myself! If anything I loved myself too much. Because of this self-love I was overly concerned about the opinions of others around me. I felt as if I was in a mild depression at times, but I guess it could have been hormones. I never experienced thoughts of harming myself, but I had thoughts of escaping. Escaping what? I don't really know, I was a teenager with all the drama that entails.

During the later years of high school I was able to level out these emotions as I found confidence in extra-curricular activities and improved grades. During my senior year of High School I began to question the practices of the Catholic church. I could not find the answers I was looking for and stopped attending Sunday School as I felt it did little to help me in my search. Mom gave me a copy of the Catholic Catechism to help answer my questions. this book gave a detailed explanation of what the church believed without any support or proof for their position. I was confused, and wanted to quit attending mass. My mother requested I continue attending, and I did until my sophomore year of college.

My parents having never gone to college pushed the idea to the point of convincing me that was the only choice after high school. This push toward college, my crisis of faith, and my fear of man combined for a powerful life change during my college years.

For various reasons I had trouble transitioning to college. For the first time of my life I was away from family, friends, and in some respect felt faithless. This period of my life was extremely difficult. I wanted to drop out and return home. On the advice of my parents I stuck the transition out. The next year I met a man who made a profound impact on my life. His name was John Russell. In my first conversation with him he explained the gospel to me. I understood for the first time in my life why Jesus died on the cross, that I could be completely forgiven of my sins, and enter into a loving relationship with God not based upon my religious efforts but on the sacrifice of Jesus alone. At first I was skeptical. Why had no one ever showed me this in the bible before? Later I reviewed all John had told me, a light bulb came on. My questions were beginning to be answered.

John discipled me in my faith, and I grew. He introduced me to other Christians who were involved in a campus group called Campus Crusade for Christ. I became more involved and joined the leadership of this group. I was trained in telling others the gospel of Jesus Christ, and in how to lead a small group bible study. I felt that with the help of leaders in my life like John the Lord had helped me fight against sin like the fear of man. I was certain the Lord wanted me to pursue ministry after college. My mind was set on joining staff with Campus Crusade for Christ.

I graduated Appalachian State University in December of 1998. Joanna and I were married in May 1999. We pursued joining staff, but faced roadblocks. We trusted God to bring us into ministry at the proper time. With that mindset we set about establishing ourselves as a couple, and beginning our new life together. We bought a small 3 bedroom house. We were happy, and busy enjoying life. In 2001 we were presented with an opportunity to travel to Burma with Joanna’s father. Just as John Russell sharing the gospel with me had done in college, this trip changed the course of my life. I was only able to stay one week overseas but I quickly realized after arriving back in America that my life was making little difference for God in a world so filled with hurting, suffering, and poverty. Joanna and I gained a renewed passion for ministry and started to look for a way to be involved in advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

By July of that same year we had sold our house, resigned from our jobs, and secured employment with an organization who sends Christian school teacher to Asia to minister spiritually, while at the same time teaching ESL (English as a second language). For the next four years we spent most of our time in China ministering and teaching. Our daughter Savannah was born in 2004 and lived with us in China for the next year and a half. It was around this time that I began to minister to a young Chinese man named Jim.

Jim was a difficult person from the moment I met him. He acted out of character for a Chinese college student. Jim’s personality irritated his classmates, and to be honest me. He was reserved with them and found it difficult to develop friendships. Perhaps because of his inability to relate well with his classmates Jim started to take an unhealthy interest in one of the foreign teachers on my team. He decided that he had fallen in love with my teammate. Of course the feelings were not returned, and although Jim was crushed he vowed never to give up his love. I had to confront Jim on the inappropriateness of the situation. During that confrontation, Jim rebuffed my rebuke. In a firm and direct manner I told Jim that as his teacher and her team leader I had the right to restrict his access to my team member. This confrontation built a level of trust between Jim and me. Over the course of the next few months Jim shared with me a secret that changed our relationship from student and teacher to friend and brother.

For some time Jim had been struggling with depression and contemplating the idea of suicide. He also was hearing voices. I was the only person he had trusted with this information. He refused to tell his father or any Chinese professors for fear of disappointing them and being forced to leave school. God had placed me in a difficult position. Nothing challenged my faith more during that time in China. I felt inadequate to handle the situation. This was not my area of expertise. I had no psychological training to deal with this situation. I turned to prayer and Godly advice. One thing became certain to me, I may not know how to deal with Jim on a psychological level, but I could deal with him on a theological level. I gave Jim what I had. I offered him a relationship with Jesus. Jim accepted Christ as his savior. Eventually through some time with me in discipleship and through relationships built with other Chinese believers in a Bible study Jim made progress, amazing progress. Jim is the main reason I decided to seek training as a biblical counselor. As I think about what a theory of counseling should entail I remember that time. The sanctifying work of Jesus Christ on the cross took away the fear of not knowing how to handle Jim’s depression, and for Jim it proved that Jesus is the solution in our darkest hours.

My family moved back to the states in 2006 so I could pursue my MA in Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We are now at the end of that journey. Our son Matthias was born in January 2009, and I officially graduate in December. As I think about what is next for us I realize what is more important are the convictions we have embraced during this journey. Our convictions will shape how we attempt to serve Jesus with our lives. Looking back one truth I have come to embrace over this journey is that a man may plan his steps, but the Lord directs his path.

Coveting Luke's Faith

I Just wanted to share this article from the New York Times posted Saturday, August 22, 2009 written by Dana Tierney. Click here.

Coverting to Buddhism

Recently I have experienced challenges to my Christianity which have caused me to think about faith in new and deeper ways. these challenges have raised questions for me such as, "What would it take to convert me to Buddhism?" and "What would the consequences of such a choice mean for me?"

I was raised in church, but I've only been a Christian for 13 years. In that time I've had opportunities to explore my faith and question it in ways some Christians don't out of fear of judgement. Because of this I feel able to say I am a follower of Jesus Christ who doesn't practice a blind faith. While I don't have answers to every question regarding faith, in my experience I have found satisfying answers for numerous questions people raise concerning Christianity. So what would it take for someone like me, who is convinced of his beliefs, to convert to Buddhism?

Imagine I have a co-worker who is Buddhist. He is a good man in many respects. He is always conscientious and kind. He takes extra time to help other workers when their productivity is falling behind. He is humorous and fun to be around. We become friends. I begin to talk to him about deeper things. One day, he says he wants to share something with me. He reaches into his pocket and pulls a small book. He says, "Humanity has done many bad things and has brought bad karma upon itself, therefore our existence is in danger. Following the Buddha's teachings is the only way to go to Nirvana and avoid the pain of being something lower in the next life. We must each follow the Buddha's plan so that we can reach Nirvana." He shares some of Buddha's teachings. After twenty minutes of explanation he tells me his personal story. He was an addict and bad to his family but finding Buddhism had changed his life and given him self-control and peace for the first time. After meeting with him he asks if I am ready to become Buddhist.

If that actually happened, and I converted to Buddhism what would it cost me? My career path? Peace with my friends and family? Even if my friend was nice and I liked him, every reason for converting to Buddhism would be subjective. (His personal testimony and religious doctrines are both subjective). If I had some problems that he could solve for me or if I were lonely perhaps I might convert based on the strength of my respect for him but if he disappointed me, I might turn from Buddhism and return to my former ways. None of these reasons would be good enough to become Buddhist. If however, he could give me logical evidence from history, science, mathematics, archeology, and logic that Buddha was real, Buddhism was true and Christianity was false I would, since I love truth and want to know and follow it, be willing to believe even if it cost me everything.

this is also how I thought about winning a convert to Christianity, but I was forgetting one important teaching. Jesus said it is hard to believe, that men love the darkness more than the light, that following Him will cost you greatly in this life. If that were not enough He promised that Christians will face persecutions and sufferings in this world. Few will find what Jesus calls "the narrow road", but those who do are heirs to glorious promises, some of which will not be fulfilled until heaven. Many people are unwilling to endure hardship for a future reward. It is difficult to willingly accept hardship or persecution. In fact apart from the grace of God's Holy Spirit drawing men no one would become a Christian. While a strong defense of the faith is important, a great personal story of change is good, and the evidence of a changed life is helpful, apart from God's Holy Spirit drawing people, none would become a true follower of Jesus.

this is a truth that has been difficult for me. Because of my experience I often feel responsible to say the right things in an effort to convince someone to believe. I desire to be an agent of change in peoples lives. My struggle proves to be fruitless, except that God is showing me I have no power to build the church. Christ himself builds the church. I need to get out of His way and let Him work. If he chooses to use me, then praise His holy name.

Joanna and I found an interesting story in the PARADE magazine insert of the Sunday paper. It was featuring the young actor Shia LaBeouf.
See article: http://www.parade.com/export/sites/default/celebrity/2009/06/shia-labeouf-mixed-up-life.html_71192264.html)

For his age he has been incredibly successful and has already made millions of dollars working with some of Hollywood's biggest names. At 23 and on top of the world this young man confesses his insecurities,

"I know I’m one of the luckiest dudes in America right now,” LaBeouf says. “I have a great house. My parents don’t have to work. I’ve got money. I’m famous. But it could all change, man. It could go away. You never know."

Parade writes, "When LaBeouf is feeling insecure, he sometimes stops his bike on the side of a busy road to see if people passing by recognize him. He is scared that they won’t. " Shia adds,

"Actors live dependent on being validated by other people’s opinions."

This insecurity is masking a form of pride with which we all can struggle. We love ourselves and want to be loved by others to such an extent it begins controlling our actions. How interesting that Shia has everything Americans seem to desire including fame, fortune, popularity, youth, and an exciting career, and yet he is still insecure. Wait a second, aren't these very things (fame, fortune, popularity, youth, etc.) what we desire as solutions to our problems? If only I had a better job...If only I was rich...if only.... But Shia has all these and he is still fearful.

"Sometimes I feel I’m living a meaningless life,” Shia LaBeouf says, “and I get frightened.”

Is it possible that even after obtaining all that life has to offer a person could still live a meaningless life? Shia LaBeouf isn't the only one who thinks so. Jesus said, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)

"I don’t handle fame well,” LaBeouf says. “Most actors on most days don’t think they’re worthy. I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it’s a God-sized hole. If I knew, I’d fill it, and I’d be on my way.”

According to worldly standards Shia has everything! No wonder he doesn't know how to fill it. None of what he has accomplished or obtained has filled it, and again, he has everything. How interesting that he recognizes what is missing as a God-sized hole. Incidentally, we all have a hole similar to his. It comes from a broken relationship with God, and no amount of worldly stuff or effort on our part can ever fill such a hole. Shia could buy any item, act in any film, date any woman, use any drug, and the hole would remain. It's a God-sized hole and only God can fill it.

Jesus said to another rich young man years ago who also wanted to fill that hole, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). This young man went away sad. Jesus was not saying he could buy his way into heaven, he was identifying how the things of the world were keeping him from coming, following, and obtaining what truly matters, eternal life.

Shia is ready for the Gospel. Are you? It is the only way to fill the hole. Understand, all people have sinned, (Rom 3:23) thereby creating the hole. The penalty for sin is death (eternal separation from the one who can fill the hole) (Rom. 6:23). Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom. 5:8). He is the one who can restore you with the God the Father.

Jesus calls us,"come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:28-30).

"Jesus Christ is a Savior who is now alive in heaven, and each [person] should think of Jesus as speaking directly to him or her, saying 'Come to me...and I will give you rest'. This is a genuine personal invitation that seeks a personal response from each one who hears it." --Wayne Grudem

How will you respond?

Consistency

What is it about human nature that causes us to react in ways contrary to our core beliefs? I have no problem believing the chair I am sitting in will hold me up, because its designed to hold me. It always acts in consistency with what it was designed to do.
I watch ants sometimes with my daughter. You never see a renegade ant. There is never an ant doing something other than you would expect. They always act in consistency with what they are created for.
But humans are different. Humans though created in His image are unlike God. they do not act in consistency with who they are. God does. While his actions at times may surprise us, when they are considered according to his word, and his character, they are always proved right and just. Shouldn't humans created in his image be the same? We would expect this to be true. We do act differently though. We are prone to error. Why is it? Leslie Vernick a licensed clinical social worker has this to say about human nature,

“Our beliefs, whether they be religious or otherwise, form the interpretive lens through which we view all incoming information. This lens colors the data in a way that reinforces our beliefs, and it forms the foundation for why we tend to think a particular way about a situation.”

This is what we should naturally expect to find, however for humans its not always true. We do not always act according to what we believe, or with who we say we are. Why not?
To answer this question we need to get down to the core of our humanness. What is the truest thing about us? Vernick continues her thoughts,

“We don’t always think according to what we profess to believe…instead, we think according to what we really believe, deep down in our hearts, regardless of whether those beliefs align with the truth set forth in God’s Word. For example, on a rudimentary level, all humans believe that we don’t need God and can make life work on our own (This belief is our prideful, sinful nature). As Christians of course, our interpretive lens of life should come out of our relationship with God and his Word. He seeks to transform us and renew our thoughts so we can interpret things truthfully, as he would have us to.”

What do I glean from Vernick? We are created in God’s image, but fallen, sinful creatures. That is why we instead of acting according to what we profess to believe, we act out of our sinful hearts. This is the core of who we are.
Christians must live with a tension of “Now, but not yet”. We are saved from sin, and in one respect free from the bondage of sin, however we are not free from sinning. In our weakened, fallen state we still struggle. This is why we do not walk in consistency with who we are.

I struggled with this as I met a fearful Christian woman at the hospital last semester. this woman has congestive heart failure. She was afraid and could not sleep. Afraid of dying. But should Christians be afraid of dying? Could that be a sinful fear?
If I visit the woman with congestive heart failure and she claims to believe the promises of Christ, (namely eternal life, no more suffering, new body etc.) why would she worry about death. If she really believed this teaching at her core why would stepping into eternity be frightening? It should not be, but it is. This is why I believe our fear can be sinful. Fear can control us and cause us to act based on emotion and not on truth. We should not fear, but we do because we are fallen, sinful creatures. God understands this and is patient with our sin. He has gone to great lengths to forgive us of our sin. there is much grace for us found at the foot of the cross.

May we walk consistently with what we claim to believe, so that God will receive glory when others see His presence in us.

DRAWING NEAR

Philippians 4:4-9

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%204:4-9;&version=49

Paul is encouraging the Philippian Christians to act as ones who know they are Children of the King. These followers are to rejoice in the Lord at all times, and to let their gentle spirit be known because the Lord is near.

Because the Lord is near they are to lay down their anxiety, and to let the Lord know their concerns about all things. When they do this Paul teaches that Gods peace will guard their hearts and minds. This peace comes through practice (v.9) as the Lord draws near.

I see so much of God "Our Heavenly Father" in this, and it reminds me of a goal Joanna and I have in parenting our children. We desire to cultivate an environment in our home now that will result in good communication with our kids later. This is difficult for me. I'm an introvert. At times I find communicating exhausting. My daughter, Savannah, seems to thrive on the energy she gets from social interaction, and she is only 4 years old!

Just as God knows we face anxiety, fear and concern about many things, I also know Savannah faces these. And as God draws near to me desiring me to talk about my life concerns, I desire to draw near to my daughter so she knows me, and is comfortable talking to me about her concerns.

At her age the communication is more important than what we talk about. This is true of us and God. Paul teaches in verse 6 "...in everything...let your requests be known." God desires us to bring our concerns in conversation before Him. We are free to talk about any of them, what we talk about is less significant than the drawing near.

Because I understand Paul encourages the Philippians to practice this, I also want to help Savannah practice how to have effective and proper conversation. Recently our son, Matthias, was born. As you can imagine things around our home are a bit crazy! I have been wondering about Savannah's heart during this transition, so when I had the opportunity to talk to her alone while riding in the car I took advantage of it:

Me: Do you want to talk?

S: About what Daddy?

Me: I just want to say that I love you, and had a good time with you.

S: Is that what you want to talk about Daddy?

Me: Yes. I hope you will always talk to me and Mommy.

S: About what Daddy?

Me: Everything. How you feel, if you are happy or sad...

S: Daddy. Sometimes when you and Mommy take care of Matthias I feel sad.

Me: What does sad feel like to you?

S: I feel like there is nobody to take care of me.

And there was the fruit...

Now, because I know what Savannah is feeling I can properly minister grace into her situation, bringing peace to her heart, helping her think upon what is good, lovely, and worthy of praise.

Robert Wolgemuth wrote,

"The ability of you and your daughter to effectively exchange words, and the feelings they're usually connected to, will provide the bridge between you that will last the rest of your life."

While I freely admit I desire that nearness to last the rest of my life, I have a far greater desire for that bridge to extend back into the arms of Christ. As I look toward models for fathering I can think of no better example than God the Father. So in my sinful attempt to model His drawing near to us I hope to point my children beyond myself and toward the cross of Christ, which is the greatest example in history of God drawing near to His children, granting peace through the riches of salvation.

James 4:10 "Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you."

Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him."

Hebrews 4:16 "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Crisis in Mark 4

See Mark 4:35-41

Jesus had finished His teaching. His disciples set out the boats to cross the sea. This was not the first time Jesus finished His teaching by rowing out into the sea with His disciples. However, according to 4:37 this was not going to be a peaceful boat ride. Mark records that there was heavy wind, high waves and the danger of the boat sinking. So how strong can we surmise this storm was? These seaworthy fishermen were accustomed to storms on the Sea of Galilee and this one must have been fierce for them to fear for their lives. Although the text does not describe the disciples as being afraid in this moment we know they are as they question a sleeping Jesus in verse 38 “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

The “we” suggests that Jesus also was in danger. Almost as if they were suggesting that if you are going to act nonchalant about us dying, at least you should be concerned for yourself. They never expected Jesus to calm the storm. If the “we are perishing” included Jesus then they were not seeking His help. The disciples question was out of fear and disbelief that Jesus would be acting in such an indifferent manner toward the danger. The disciples were focused on the reality of the moment, the real possibility that they might die. They had not learned to trust in the greater reality of their God who is always in control of the ultimate outcome. Herein lies the crisis. The disciples thought that they were going to die, and that Jesus did not care. Fear increased by a lack of ability to control their situation turned into acting out of fear instead of out of faith. Panicked because they were at the end of their expertise on how to handle a weather related crisis at sea, and finding themselves in danger, called out to Jesus in v.38, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Jesus assesses, and handles the immediate crisis. He knew before they began the trip across the sea that His disciples were dealing with a much more serious crisis. Their faith was weak. There is evidence in verse 37 That Jesus suggested the boat trip, and then promptly went to sleep. Jesus had a plan to challenge and stretch his disciples. He wanted His disciples to know that they could rest at peace in the midst of the storm because He was with them.

Jesus deals with the question of identity. He wants His disciples to recognize His authority over creation, and His authority over life’s situations, both of which prove His deity, leading to proper worship. In verse 39, with a rebuke, the wind and waves stop. The rage of a storm which caused crisis in the moment for some experienced fishermen became a perfect calm, and began a heart crisis in the lives of those men. Jesus rebukes them in verse 40, “Why are you still afraid?” Moreover, he recognizes their problem, “Do you still have no faith?” These words should be taken more as a statement than a question, “You still have no faith.” The disciples had heard the authority of Christ’s teachings, they had witnessed His miracles, and they still had no faith.

In verse 39 Jesus displayed his power over creation drawing the disciples attention to the fact that He is the very creator Himself. This act led to another sort of fear in the disciple’s hearts. In verse 41 it says they became very afraid, and questioned who Jesus was. The sudden storm and sudden stillness caused brain overload. They were in fearful awe of the One who possessed authority to rebuke both the waves and themselves. Jesus resolved a moment of crisis by showing the disciples the power, authority, and sovereignty of God. They were beginning to understand who Jesus truly was. He drew the disciples into a moment of true worship.

As humans who struggle with fear and anxiety we can relate to the crisis facing the disciples. Many times in our lives situations arise that are just as overwhelming and powerful as any raging storm upon the sea. We feel our boat being pounded by the waves, the water and our fears are rising, we feel helpless. The situation, and often times our God, teach us that we are not in control.

In Mark’s narrative it was Jesus who led the disciples into the storm, he knew what they would be facing. His purpose was to teach them to trust in Him, to teach them that even with all their experience as fishermen they cannot control the storm. This is true in our lives; we cannot handle every difficult situation we face. Sometimes we are humbled, and cowering in the corner. Jesus led His disciples into the storm, and all Hell broke loose. Perhaps we need to admit that following God is not always safe. Think about Joseph, Daniel, Elijah, Stephen, and even Jesus. Although the situations God allowed them to face were far from safe His grace was ever sufficient for the moment of trial.

What happened next? The disciples in Marks narrative were facing real danger, and they found Jesus asleep. We can relate to this too. Why are you sleeping Lord? Where are you? How long Oh Lord? We ask these questions in the midst of life’s crises. We look to the reality of the situation and fail to look to God. What we need in that moment is a reminder of who God is.

Jesus responds to the disciples question by rebuking the wind and the waves. They obeyed Him. This moment might be the greatest demonstration of the deity of Christ in all of scripture, creation obeying its creator. Next Jesus questions the disciples. Jesus’ questions to the disciples are rhetorical. They reveal the reason he lead them into the storm to begin with, and they speak to our storms today.

The point is not that Jesus will calm your every storm, but that He is in charge, and that He cares. When the Lord tests us it hurts. Our fear rises and our faith diminishes. Jesus knows this and questions, “Why are you afraid? Don’t you trust me?” He recognizes fear and desires to turn it into worship. This is what takes place in verse 41. God leads us through trial so we might perceive His holiness, and our hearts turn to worship as we recognize that He is good. The result is a loss of physical fear. We put off our fear and put on Christ. Why would we fear when we have Christ?

To appreciate that statement you need a proper understanding of who Christ is. This is what Jesus accomplished in the lives of the disciples that day. They understood what Paul teaches in Colossians 1:15-17, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Because of this the disciples stood in awe of Jesus that day. The hidden had been revealed, and they stood in a state of worship.

This narrative is another example of the benefits of the Gospel. Christians must realize that in the area of emotions we are still in great need of Jesus Christ and His grace in our lives. While our emotions are good, they too are tainted by sin. They tend to mislead us, or spiral out of control. This is the moment when a difficult situation becomes a crisis. What can we do in the midst of such a circumstance? Remember the Gospel. The Bible is full of reminders for the Christian in crisis. For example 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 reads “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.” This reality is greater than the reality of our circumstances. Christ wants to walk with us through difficultly to the point that we recognize and live out this truth.

The outpouring of the lesson the disciples learned that day is the hope we find written in our scriptures. Peter writes “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”(1:6-7). God does allow times of trial. Sometimes He leads us into them, but His purpose is to teach us about His true nature, and to increase our faith.

IS ADDICTION THE MODERN WORD FOR SIN?

Addiction is an area I am wrestling to understand as a Christian. It is an area I am continuing to encounter as I minster in the hospital. These are some thoughts I am working through as I continue to research and study this horrible truth touching the life of so many in our society. I understand that there are those who struggle with various addictions. But I am confused about how some understand this problem. Among the Christians I know there are some who believe and teach addictions to be a disease.

My concern and fear is that the disease model has created a victimized view of recovery. Let me try to unpack my concern. It begins with the notion that Alcoholism for example, is a disease. This leads me to ask several questions. First, what type of disease? Certainly not a disease like cancer, otherwise it would mean that before the alcoholic takes his first drink he is an alcoholic. Cancer is not necessarily caused by something we do, it can just come upon us.

Second, how does one become an alcoholic? I would naturally think this happens by drinking too much alcohol and developing a sinful habit. The option that has been presented here is that it’s a disease. But does alcoholism just come upon us, or is it the result of poor choice? If it is the result of poor choice I would argue that it’s not a disease, it’s a sin.

Again, I am not arguing if addiction exists, I am wondering if we have not just replaced the word sin with the word addiction. The bible is clear that addiction exists, John 8:34 Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” There is something in our nature that enslaves us to bad habits. Sin becomes sticky and in our fallen nature we tend to cling to it. Sounds like an addiction. Pornography sticks in our head, feels good to look at, gives a sense of control, so we view it again, leading to a habit of sin. Sounds like addiction.

You may argue that I am talking semantics. But I think much more is at stake than just definitions. This is a struggle for authority, and adequacy. Those who tend to believe that alcoholism is a disease live with a victim mentality. What is wrong with that? If you are a victim then you are not responsible. A husband drinks heavy every Saturday night, comes home and beats his wife, is verbally abusive to his children. The next day he sobers up and says to the family, “I am not responsible for my drinking, I have to drink. I can not stop because it is a disease, I am a victim.” In this situation if alcoholism was like cancer I guess he would be a victim, but it’s not like cancer. Why? Because the poison does not enter the body until he chooses to drink. If we say someone is predisposed to drink does it mean they have no control over their hand picking up a beer and pouring it into their mouth. THAT MAKES NO SENSE! I believe we call alcoholism a disease, and call alcoholics victims because we are trying to make sense of sin in a culture that has shed the word of God as authority. If addiction is a sin then the word God is adequate to speak to the problem, it has authority. Instead of believing God’s word, we replace it with teaching that our itching ears long to hear, and replace God with psychologist.

I would purpose that the problem with the word disease is that it sounds like something you catch, like a virus, rather than something you choose to do. I would also purpose that every “addiction” is 100% curable if the addict is willing to take responsibility for his or her actions. But recovery will never take place unless “the addict” takes responsibility for his or her choices. By calling addictions diseases, we risk conveying that the addict is not responsible for the addiction" and the consequences of the addiction. “Addiction” is a choice.

My questions in this area are as follows, maybe you can help me by sharing you opinion as I continue my research.

1. When does an alcoholic become an alcoholic?
2. If Addiction is a disease why can recovery be achieved through talk therapy?
3. Why does every sin in the Bible have a corresponding addiction label in the world?
4. As Christians why do we believe Christ can save us from the fires of hell, but that he cannot deliverer us from “addiction”?
5. Is this thinking not revealing a lack of faith in God?

Authority

This post is long, I had a lot on my mind:

I have theological beliefs at the core of who I am. Beliefs that explain who I am, the things I do, and why I do them. The begin with the fact that God exists and has revealed Himself to us. The revelation of God is important to us as humans. Had God not revealed Himself to us the we could not know Him, or talk about Him. I believe God has revealed Himself in two ways, through creation and through His word, The Bible. This really gets to the heart of what is on my mind. Because God has revealed himself through His word it is important that we give His word proper respect. I believe in the inerrancy of scripture. For a Christian that is the appropriate view of scripture. A view that has been fought for and defended throughout the ages.
The term inerrancy literally means “correct, containing no mistakes”. It can go as far as to mean incapable of making a mistake. The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, provides an understanding of inerrancy which includes the fact that God inspired scripture with the purpose of revealing Himself. The statement says that the Bible is infallible, divine authority in all matters on which it speaks. The writers of this document believed the Holy Spirit to be the author and authenticator of scripture by His inward witness and ability to help humanity understand God’s word. Therefore, the statement says that the Bible as given by God contains no error in its teaching.
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy points out it is God’s authority at stake in the argument of inerrancy. Without a commitment to the Bible’s authority grounded in God Himself, a view of Biblical inerrancy means little. The Chicago statement says that the authority of scripture is impaired if total divine inerrancy is in any way limited or ignored.
Because of the belief of the early church that scripture was true and authoritative, they held fast to the truth of John 16:13 which teaches that the Holy Spirit is a spirit of truth revealing what the Father wills. The Apostles believed this, and were faithful to their responsibility of handing down the teachings of Christ, holding to a firm belief in the authority of scripture. Their devotion to preserving the authority of scripture helped the early church stand strong against the lies of Gnosticism. The same is true for the Christians that gathered in Chicago and wrote The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy. They saw it as their responsibility to take a firm stand on inerrancy to protect the authority of the Bible from Christians who were becoming more liberal in their views, and a world that was increasingly skeptical of the Holy Scripture. This is why it is important for evangelical Christians to hold to a doctrine of inerrancy today. The Church has faced many challenges to authority in the past and their steadfast belief in the authority of scripture has helped them maintain a pure devotion to God.
The constant attack on the reliability of scripture does not end. Groups such as The Jesus Seminar, theological debates over homosexuality, best selling books such as The Da Vinci Code, and misguided assumptions concerning archaeological finds are all attempting to discredit the authority of scripture. The Christians of the first century found it important to stand firm on the doctrine of inerrancy. So must we. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, scripture brings correction and reproof. This leads a Christian to repent and worship his God. Biblical authority provides ground for Christians to speak into society’s problems such as broken families, depression, and evil. Christians must take the example provided by The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and once again renew their commitment to upholding the authority of scripture in hopes of reaching this lost generation.
All of this to say I become greatly frustrated when God’s word is abused, maligned, or overlooked. One personal area of interest to me where this happens is in the field of counseling. People with the best of intentions overlook the possibility of using scripture practically in healing the hurting soul. Rather than turn to the expertise of God who created emotional beings, they will turn to the so called experts, men like Freud, Rogers or Skinner who do not know God, or respect His word. There is a possibility of discovering truth in creation apart from full knowledge of God, but man’s worldview taints his interpretations of that truth apart from the interpretive lens of special revelation. This is why some observations of secular psychologists appear to be correct biblically. That is also why it is dangerous to integrate biblical counseling with secular counseling.
For example Freud believed our problems arise because of unconscious motivations that drive us to action using irrational forces. According to Freud, we do not have choice because human nature is deterministic. We have a life instinct pushing us toward survival, a libido that energizes us to do what we do. His view is biological. He believes what is wrong with man is fear and anxiety, namely the inability to trust, express anger, and recognize ones sexuality. His ultimate goal is to have pleasure, lesson anxiety and pain, and to avoid tension. Freud made some good observations; man does have a problem with fear and anxiety. Psalm 139:23-24 shows that God understands the anxious thoughts of man. God searches man’s heart to find any hurtful ways therein. Man does show the inability to trust and to express anger properly. Paul commands the Ephesians to be angry and sin not in Ephesians 4:24. Man does constantly seek to uphold self-interest in areas like pleasure and survival. In James 1:14-15, self-interests or lusts carry away and tempt men to sin. James says this eventually leads to death. Every area of man is depraved. Consider the alcoholic who following his pleasure dies from liver disease. Consider the lover of food who overeats leading to various health problems. Consider the workaholic who at the expenses of his family relationships works long into the nights. James is right that following our personal lusts result in negative consequences, possibly even death. While Freud’s observations concerning man’s struggle are correct, he is blind as to the cause. In Romans 3:23, Paul teaches that all men are sinful and separated from God. This is the problem with mankind. Men and women have been created to enjoy God’s presence in a dependent relationship expressed through worship and obedience. There was a choice on man’s part to disobey God and go a separate way resulting in the unhealthy conditions mentioned above. This choice was not the result of some irrational force; instead, it was initiated by an influential being. This being is known as the tempter, Satan or the Devil, who as it reads in 2 Corinthians 11:14 “masquerades as an angel of light,” who has servants who also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness in efforts to fool humanity into sin and ultimately separation from its creator. Jesus Christ says of Satan in John 8:44 that he was a liar from the beginning. That is in fact what we witness in the testimony of scripture as Satan disguises himself as a serpent and tempts Eve to disobey. When Adam and Eve made the choice to listen to the lies of Satan instead of the truth of God they at once stopped worshiping their creator through obedience and began worshiping themselves. Meaning, they looked first to their own needs and desires, not trusting God to know what was best for them even though it was God’s responsibility in the relationship to provide and care for his creation. God had given man great freedom, and man chose to use it to disobey God’s command. This placed man into a state of unholiness, separating him from his Holy creator, and bringing judgment from God. In judgment, God pronounced a curse. Before the fall there was a command to worship and obey God through work in the garden. Man and woman enjoyed Gods fellowship and found pleasure in serving and knowing Him. Now there is still work, but it has become toil outside of the presence and joy of God. Meaning has been lost. Shame, fear, discouragement, blame, and hardship all enter the lives of men and women in Genesis 3. God sent humanity out of his presence because of their disobedience. These conditions of hardship point to the absence of God’s relationship in man’s life.
Jesus Christ is the solution to man’s problems. Paul teaches in Romans 5:1 that because of Jesus’ willingness to be killed for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification we can now have peace with God. He continues in Romans 5:6 teaching that Jesus died for the ungodly while they were still in sin. He writes that God proved his love for his creation in this manner, the death of his son so that we might be reconciled in a perfect relationship with Him again. Through the redeeming work of Jesus, the psychological problems noted by many secular psychologists that plague man because of the separation sin caused become correctable. Paul continues in Romans 5:12 teaching that just as one sin of one man condemned all men, so one act of righteousness through Jesus can give life to all men. Jesus did not die to cure our psychological problems. Jesus died to save us from sin. The results of a restored relationship through the blood of the cross give the benefit of an unwavering joy. Christians are passing through a process known as sanctification in which they form into the image of Christ. While this process takes place, Christians must continue to deal with a conflict between two natures. Paul calls this a spiritual battle between the flesh and the law in Romans 7. The law is good and reflects the holiness of God. The law has been written on the heart of every man, woman, and child. In Jeremiah 31:33, God speaks of a new covenant with the house of Israel. One in which he will put his law on their hearts. Paul speaks of this in Romans 7:22 when he writes that the law is found in the inner man. This law, sometimes called our conscience, gives mankind its sense of morality. Because it comes from God, the law is spiritual in nature, and at war with our inner nature or propensity to sin. Paul describes in Romans 7:15-18 how his sin nature fights against the law. He finds himself acting in ways he does not want to act. He does what he hates. Because of the spiritual law Paul knows his actions are wrong, but his flesh desires them. Paul concludes in verse 24 that he is a wretched man without hope, and only Jesus Christ can save him from this battle. The role of the biblical counselor is the help a hurting population find true help that comes only through Jesus Christ. Once they find this help the counselor helps them begin a journey of being formed into the image of Christ.

You Are Not Alone

This past Monday at the hospital we spent significant time as chaplains exploring how to handle baby deaths. One word that could sum up the experience was uncomfortable. This is true for two reasons. First, what do you say to a family who is dealing with the unimaginable? I know theologically speaking there is much we could say:

1. Lamentations 3:37-38 “Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord does not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the most High that both calamities and good things come? (God’s absolute control)
2. Ephesians 1:11 “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. (God has the power to carry out his plan, see Jeremiah 29:11).
3. Ecclesiastes 7:14 “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider; God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. (God is sovereign over both the good and the bad).
4. Genesis 50:20 (the whole Joseph story) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”(God has purpose in our pain).
5. Job 23:8-10 (The whole Job story) “…when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (God will purify us through our trials, they are not meaningless).

Although there is much truth to grasp in these statements the moment to share this information is not always in the now. Where do we begin? This aspect makes the situation uncomfortable. There is another reason I found it uncomfortable. My wife is pregnant. Our baby son Matthias is due February 1. Listening to how to help others begin their grief process makes me consider how I would handle grieving in the same situation. This morning I had a talk with my wife. I asked her “How would we respond if Matthias was still born, or only survived a few hours”? Would we be angry with God? I wanted to think through the situation not because I tend to live in fear, but because it is a possibility. Suffering is a part of the world we live in.
As we were escorted through the hospital going over the procedures, I had to ask God “Why do some families have to face this tragedy?” The expectation of life and joy. The hopes, dreams and potential for new life, and then the unexpected loss that first knocks the breath out of you, and then changes your life forever. What was the answer I received? Sin. The reason death exists is because of sin. When man first rebelled against God in the garden everything changed, sin, death, disease, fear, all these entered into the world. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death…” We have earned death by our wrong actions.
This is the point where we want to be angry with God and blame shift. Before we do there are three truths we must consider, “The Bible asserts both God’s sovereignty and people’s freedom and moral responsibility, it never attempts to explain their relationship. The first [truth] is that God is infinite in His ways as well as His being. A finite mind simply cannot comprehend an infinite being beyond what He has expressly revealed to us…some things about God will forever remain a mystery…the relationship of the sovereign will of God to the freedom and moral responsibility of people is one of those mysteries. The second truth is that God is never the author of sin…we must never conclude that God has induced anyone to sin…The fact that people’s sinful intents and actions serve the sovereign purpose of God does not make God the author of their sin nor make them any less culpable for their actions…The third truth…is that the Bible consistently portrays people as making real choices of their own will. There is never any suggestion in Scripture of people being mindless puppets moved by divine strings. (See Psalm 50:21; James 1:13-14; Acts 4:27-28; Revelation 17:17). (Trusting God p. 69-70).”
But even more importantly we need to remember the hope that is given to us from God. Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” John Piper wrote, ““The Son of God who is the father’s beloved and delight was forsaken. He was abandoned and left all alone. Being forsaken by his friends was one thing, but being forsaken by his Father was quite another. The depth of this pain is greater than we can know…Why is the depth of Christ’s pain significant for us? Because “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). In the midst of our pain we may feel alone and believe that no one has hurt as badly as we hurt. But it isn’t true. Jesus Christ has felt such pain; indeed, he has felt pain that would have destroyed us. He is able to sympathize. (Suffering and the Sovereignty of God p. 186). (See Matt 27:46; Heb 4:15; Heb. 4:16).
Perhaps at the beginning, when speaking with those who are suffering unimaginable pain we begin by saying, “Friend, you are not alone.”

Emotion, it runs in the family.

Just this week I began a class called clinical pastoral education. I am interning as a chaplain this semester at Wake Med. We had our orientation on Monday and I wanted to share my reflections from day one.

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?”

With a moment of freedom at the end of my busy day I begin to reflect upon all the thoughts and emotions I experienced on orientation day. As the day approached, I felt the usual emotions of nervousness associated with beginning a new job. Walking into the meeting room felt like so many other orientation moments where I did not know anyone and begin to formulate in my mind how to begin the conversational tennis game of getting to know a total stranger. I was contemplating how to serve the first question and opted awkwardly to eat breakfast and wait for introductions. Its Not that I am nervous about speaking to groups, in fact I prefer smaller groups. It surprises me how moments like these after so many can still feel so uncomfortable. I was thankful for the introduction time as it provided me with questions I could lob across the net and begin my game of making new acquaintances
Another emotion stirring inside of me that morning was anxiety. At first I recognized this in regards to the amount of information being given to us and the serious nature of why we are receiving it. Everyday in this hospital are people, and families struggling with heavy burdens. We need to be prepared to speak truth, hope, and comfort to their souls. I was for a moment reminded of the matrix and the scene when they download martial arts ability into Keanu Reeves head. The difference is that I am confident when I really needed the information given to me I will not be able to remember all of it. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who is able to strengthen me. Also, in regards to anxiousness that morning, before anyone said it, and due to the atmosphere of being in a hospital preparing to speak into the lives of hurting people I had a real sense of my own mortality, as well as that of my family. The emotion was a passing one. Had I chosen to dwell on it, or should I now, or in the future, it has the potential to become a sticky thought. One that will be hard to set aside. I was reminded of the sovereignty of my God. And, as I was tempted to think about all the things that could possibly happen to me or my family, I was told about so many terrible things that have happened to others and their families. Once again I was faced with a choice to fear or trust. A professor at Southeastern taught me that we serve a potentially dangerous God. He does allow pain and suffering. How thankful I am He does. If not, who would have paid the price for my sins? Where would my hope be?
The early church fathers taught that God was impassable, or without emotion. Scriptural talk about the wrath of God, or grief of the Holy Spirit, was simply God attempting to talk to us in language we could understand. Modern theologians are more biblical in their approach to this topic recognizing the emotions of our God, and realizing we were created in his image, and display these emotions as well. When I used to hear the word emotion I thought of personal opinion or pop psychology, and I functioned as if scripture was silent on the subject. Then again, I did not really know the scriptures. I have since learned that scripture contains the norms for behavior, thought life, and emotions. Life without emotion would not be human life. We cannot function as ministers without an understanding of emotions. “ Fear not” is a frequent command in scripture. Peter says to cast anxieties upon Christ. Scripture says a righteous man hates what God hates, and Moses says we will be judged for not serving with joy. I realize as I reflect upon my first day that I will need to explore all these commands to be effective ministering to others who also struggle with problematic emotions.