"The Worse of All Sinners"

            Growing up my immediate family were not Christians. My mother was raised in a Catholic home in the suburbs of Chicago, while my stepfather was raised in the Bible belt in north Alabama. His extended family were Freewill Baptists. After marrying, my stepfather and moving to north Alabama, my mother started attending this Freewill Baptist church. Although she attended periodically, he never did, nor was serving or worshiping God a reality in my family’s life. However, regardless if they attended or not, they made sure that I got a ride on the church bus or a family member would pick me up so that I could attend church.

            I attended church off and on for several years leading up to my youth. It was at this time that I began experimenting with drugs and alcohol. The curiosity of girls was fueled by drugs and alcohol. It seemed that the more alcohol and drugs I had, the more attractive I seemed to females. More females led to more drugs and alcohol, unitl one day, I woke up and found myself a twenty-one year old drunk, cocaine addict, who had dropped out of high school and junior college with nowhere to live. I was homeless, jobless, and hopeless. Or at least, so I thought.

            A friend who I attended high school with had come to the Lord and was serving as youth minister at the local First Baptist church. He had come to the place where I was living, and he began to share with me what Christ had done in his life. He had been where I was currently, or at least close to it. And now he was sober, had a job, and even a car. I thought if Jesus did this for him, He might do it for me. However, Michael did not talk about all the material blessings he had, but the spiritual blessings he received through Jesus Christ. He spoke about how he had broken God’s law, he deserved to be judged, but that Jesus Christ came and died for not only his sins, but also for mine. He then shared with me that I too could be forgiven of all my sins by trusting in what Jesus had done for me by faith.

            However, I was not prepared to make such a commitment. I mean, heck, I was the worst sinner of all. Little did I know that Jesus died for the worst sinners of all. As time passed by, Michael invited me to attend church with him. I declined at first, but by the end of the week, I was so discouraged and depressed that I needed something. I had tried everything under the sun for happiness, but I always came away empty. I attended church with him for two weeks. After the second Sunday, I don’t remember what the preacher preached on, but I knew that I needed Jesus.

            After service that morning, Michael and I were in the parking lot of the church where he explained the gospel further and I was overcome by my sin against God. It was there that I told Michael I needed, no, I wanted Christ to save me. As I look back at that moment, I received Christ as my Savior. I was a mere babe in Christ who needed to be discipled. The following week I was obedient in following the Lord in believer’s baptism. The only problem was that I was not discipled and failed to grow in the Lord.         However, God in His grace not only saved me, but sealed me by His Holy Spirit. The Lord brought other men in my life who sacrificially poured their lives into me. It was during this time that I began to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. I had a holy hunger for the things of God and even found myself desiring to teach God’s Word. I began to truly understand the grace of God in the salvation of sinners and God’s desire to save sinners through the proclamation of the gospel. It was during this time that God began to prepare my heart to surrender my life to Him by serving Him in vocational ministry.

            God’s amazing grace reached down in the miry pit and breathed new life into me. Whereby, I began to have desire to love and follow Him by being obedient to His Word. No matter where you are or how bad you think you are, God is able to rescue you too. Do you desire to be freed from your sin and guilt? Turn from your sin and look unto Jesus and be saved.

A book review on "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions"

Buy it here: "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions"

Koukl, Gregory. Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions. Grand            Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. pp.206.

      In Christianity today there is an influx of confusion and contradiction about the message and methods in evangelism. Evangelism is the proclaiming of good news of Jesus Christ, whereby Christian share their faith in Jesus with others. One must know the good news before it can be proclaimed to others. However, knowing the gospel also implies that one is able to argue or at least defend the “faith that was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Koukl provides thought provoking questions to help others think through their views, while at the same time “placing a stone in their shoes” (38).

            The author, Greg Koukl, is not a novice when it comes to proclaiming and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ. Koukl has an earned Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics from Talbot School of Theology and a Masters in Christian Apologetics from Simon Greenleaf University. He serves as adjunct professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University. Koukl is the founder and president of the apologetic ministry Stand to Reason where he helps others think through their understanding of truth. He has spoken on over 50 university campuses, debated some the greatest thinkers of all time, and has written a number of books on Christian apologetics.

            The defense of the Christian faith is something many evangelicals shy away from at best or just do not think about at worse. In the book Koukl divides it into two main divisions. In part one called the “Game Plan” the author gives the practical ways of engaging others in conversation. Part two he shows in a real life way of breaking down misconception and straw man arguments. Many who call themselves Christians know and have experienced just enough to call themselves Christians. This type of nominal Christianity has caused believers to rarely consider sharing or defending their faith. Koukl helps breakthrough this type of slothful thinking among his readers by offering a game plan for sharing one’s faith. He does this by helping readers to think, confront, and address others of their worldview or religious beliefs.

            In Koukl’s book Tatics he helps the believer approach others with a sense of confidence by breaking down their arguments in a non-offensive way. Koukl’s approach gives hope for the newest or seasoned Christian with the tools needed in identifying a starting point. For the Christian who is seasoned in their faith, Tactics offers new insights on how to witness for Christ by asking questions like, “What do you mean by that” (49)? Koukl’s philosophy helps the Christian relax when he explains, “Understanding God’s central role in the process removes a tremendous burden” (41).

            Koukl’s tactic stems from Hugh Hewitt’s book, In, But Not Of, when he says, “Christians should engage in asking at least a dozen questions in a conversation” (47). By asking questions the Christian can demonstrate to the other person several things. Asking questions show the other persons concern for their point of view, beliefs, and it helps them better understand where they are coming from. This tactic allows the question asker to remain in the driver seat, while at the same time getting information needed to make the quick connection to Jesus. Asking questions helps one not only better understand the other person’s point of view, but it also helps not misrepresent their view.

            In chapters three and four the author explains, “arguments are like a simple house, a roof supported by walls” (60). The next question he proposes is, “How did you come to that conclusion?” After finding out what the person is thinking now, one finds out how they have come to that conclusion. The author explains, “many people have never thought through their views and don’t know why they hold them” (61-62). By asking questions it opens the door for further understanding, as that person explains why they believe their particular view. However, this may or may not be helpful. The reasoning behind it is it may cause the other person to shut down the conversation. Nonetheless, it is an excellent way in getting deeper into their understanding.

            These questions are offered as great starters in opening the door for spiritual conversations. Questions like these also allow for advancement of spiritual dialogue without seeming pushy. Koukl concerns himself with not being pushy or either party getting mad. There will be very much advancement with the truth of the gospel if either side get upset or anger. For that reason, these questions and methods should be memorized, meditated upon, and practice as often as one can. The author points out, “that role-play your ideas-and potential rejoinders from the other side- and do this out loud” (103).

            In the last section of the book chapters 7-14, the author gives practical ways of listening for flaws in others arguments. He offers various types of arguments, like “taking off the roof” technique that can be used in discussing others views. Most of the techniques used are self-destructive in their own nature, like the self-refuting argument or the self-destructive argument. The techniques in and of themselves work themselves by simply listening to the other talk and seek out the flaw in their view. Another flaw Koukl points out is the internal contradictive argument, which “view shows that it can believed, but not acted on or promoted” (129), it simple contradicts itself internally. As an example he uses the statement, “It’s wrong to say people are wrong” (129). In the last section, the author offers a number of examples to show how these flaws can be detected and responded to.

            The author is correct in stating, “those who represent Christ as ambassadors” (24). As ambassadors of Christ there must be a common knowledge of who Christ is and what Christ has done. However, knowledge not applied is no good at all. Therefore, ambassadors of Christ must apply the knowledge they received. This is known as wisdom. Koukl argues wisdom is being able to discuss one’s conviction without either becoming angry. However, not all discussions revolving around others opinions will lead to an anger free discussion.

            Koukl’s theology is well articulated and very well balanced. He desires for his readers to be at ease in these techniques he teaches them. One way he does this is by reminding them of God’s sovereignty and His care during their encounter. He reminds the necessity of Christ working in salvation when he says, “There is a particular work of God that is necessary to bring someone into the kingdom. Second, when present, this work cannot fail to accomplish its goal” (36). These truths help and encourage the reader to know at the end of the conversation there is no losing. Another solid statement he makes is when he writes, “Without God’s work, nothing else works, but with God’s work many things work” (36). Again, the author’s solid understanding of God’s sovereign grace in salvation is a great reminder to the reader when practicing these techniques.

            The last section of the book seemed to be a little too technical, as well as intellectual. For the new Christian or one who has never heard of theistic evolution, infanticide, and or reductios they would have a hard time understanding his examples. This section would be somewhat complicated for them to read. The readers would be well served if the author could have used these examples along with a definition of unfamiliar words.

            Overall, the book accomplished what the author set out to do. And that was to instruct, teach, and share some basic techniques in discussing one’s Christian conviction. He accomplishes this by showing how one can open a spiritual conversation by merely asking questions. Not only can one find out information, but he can also learn how they arrived at their point of view. This can all be done without either sides getting angry if done correctly. The author’s demeanor, graciousness, and spiritual care for those he is speaking to be evident throughout the book.

            Christians who read this book will be better equipped in discussing their faith with others. This book would be a great read for pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday School leaders, seasoned saints, as well as new believers. However, it needs to be said some of the terminology in the book may be difficult for some to clearly understand. Therefore, the end of the book may not be as helpful as the beginning.

             

                        

“The Will of God for Your Life”

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

           It is hard to believe November is already here. Fall is in full swing with chili and soup simmering on our stoves, and the holiday season is right around the corner. This time of the year is really my favorite time of the year, and at the same time, my least favorite time of the year. How can that be? Let me explain.

            As Thanksgiving and Christmas approaches, there is electricity and excitement in the air. The anticipation of being with family that we normally do not get to see on a regular basis, favorite meals being prepared, and fellowship with others seem to be the norm for this time of year. This time of the year can be a great blessing as we think about the goodness of our God in each of our lives, especially as we gather together with friends and family. Spending time and enjoying meals together can be a tremendous joy and God-honoring if done in the right spirit.

            However, what I often find is a spirit of resentment and burden. It doesn’t take long to see that when you are in your local store trying to buy the last minute trimmings for Thanksgiving. We overbook our schedules, which leads to stress and anxiety, which leads to a spirit of murmuring and griping, which leads to sin. The Apostle Paul tells the church at Thessalonica that this is not God’s will for your life. God’s will for the believer’s life is to be one of “joy, prayer, and giving thanks in all circumstances.” Joyfulness, praying, and giving thanks is God’s will for your life and my life as we approach a busy time of the year.

            Therefore, as some prepare to travel, shop, cook, and spend time with family, be sure that you slow down to “rejoice in the Lord… pray without ceasing… and give thanks to God,” for without Him, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy this time of year. I guess what I am saying is don’t be like the person I heard last who said, “I’ll be so glad when this [Thanksgiving & Christmas] is all over.” Rather, enjoy the bountiful blessings of the Lord. And most of all, rest safe and secure in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work upon the cross.

For that is truly a reason to give thanks.

Blessings,

Pastor Chad

Lessons Gleaned from "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals"

I received the book Brothers, We Are Not Professionals from Barry Carpenter of Expositors International Ministries over 9 years ago. I placed it on my book shelf and neglected to read it. However, this summer I am taking the Applied Ministry class at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and it is one of our required readings. I can not commend this book to pastors or those who aspire to be a pastor enough. Piper brings out a lot of key issues pastors deal with on a day to day basis, all the while reminding pastors to keep God in the center of all that they do. I wish I had read it before now, but I know I have appreciated this book more now than I would have before. 

     The first significant lesson I gleaned from Dr. Piper’s book was that being a pastor is not glamorous. The secular world has outlined a false reality when it comes to being a vocational minister. The minister’s life is one full of messes and not one of ease, as some would think. No-- being a pastor is hard work. The life of a pastor is one given to prayer and the Word of God. These two things take much time and labor if done correctly. I have struggled with both of these in my ministry for the fact that I do not see them as laborious. Regardless of how much time and energy I have put into praying and studying God’s Word, I have felt like I have not truly "labored or worked." The reason behind this is the false perception I was given while growing up in the church. The pastor was nothing more than a glorified chaplain. In other words, he really did not “work” because work consisted of hard, physical labor. Even though the pastor may not do physical labor, the mental and spiritual work is often just as laborious, if not more so. However, by God’s grace, I am learning each day that prayer and the study of God’s Word is essential and difficult work. 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

            The second significant lesson learned was for me to stay fervent in God-honoring, Christ exalting, and gospel-centered prayer. A reality for me has been falling into seasons where I honestly fail to pray. It was not that I did not believe prayer to be important, but I failed to pray. I would think about praying; I even knew that I needed to pray, but I did not pray. As a pastor, I believe that this is the very thing in which Satan wants us to fail. If Satan can make the men of God too busy to pray-- not only for his family, church members, community, and the lost-- but also for his preparation of sermons, then Satan has accomplished his mission. The pastor’s sermons will be dead, dry, and dull without the aid of the Holy Spirit. A truth I have learned is that when I begin my day by praying for my family, God’s people, and for opportunities to share the gospel, I find the power and the presence of God to be so much stronger. A pastor who fails to pray is a pastor who thinks he can accomplish what only God can accomplish.

     The third lesson I gleaned from Piper’s book was the life-giving doctrine of justification by faith. As Piper so well stated, “The preaching and living justification by faith alone glorifies Christ, rescues hopeless sinners, emboldens imperfect saints, and strengthens fragile churches” (17). The doctrine of justification by faith glorifies the Lord because it strips man’s ability in setting himself free from the bondage of sin. This freedom from sin is due to the fact that God chose to send His Son to provide a way of escape for all those who would believe upon Christ by faith. Living by justification by faith sets not only the believer free, but also the one who preaches this doctrine. I have found that living justification by faith is much more of a reality for me, as I continually embrace this truth on a daily basis. It allows me to live without any condemnation because I am justified in Christ by faith alone. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

     The fourth lesson gleaned from the book was that I need to watch out for sacred substitutes. Piper stated, “Ministry is its own worse enemy.” There are several interruptions that can prevent the pastor from doing what he has been called to do. One survey surprisingly showed “the three top ministry obstacles were; busyness (83 percent), lack of discipline (73 percent), and interruptions (47 percent)” (59). Thus, Piper combated, “The great threat to our prayer and our meditation on the Word of God is good ministry activity” (60). I can certainly relate to this survey. Often I find myself being busy, yet rarely ever accomplishing work. I have to continually pray and seek wisdom from above in making the right ministry decisions of where I will spend my time. This particular chapter was convicting, yet liberating.

     The fifth and final lesson I gleaned to be valuable was “Brothers, Fight For Your Life.” I found the quote by Dr. Martin-Lloyd Jones to be of great value, as he expressed the importance in fighting for your time. As a pastor, I must be growing continually by reading, studying, meditating, and writing as I lead to teach and grow God’s people. This takes time-- precious time. I have found myself wrestling with the idea of not being available for people. I think this largely stems from being prideful thoughts, such as, “My people need me.” It makes me feel wanted. In reality, it is sin of which needs to be repented. However, by God’s grace, I am working at fighting for my life by reading in twenty minutes spurts throughout the day, turning my cell phone on silent, and turning off e-mail and social media in order to accomplish the work which is placed before me each day.