On Friday, many people, especially children, will dress up and collecting candies from door-to-door. People look like the characters they see in the movies or TV shows. It can be scary or entertaining.
For Christians, however, October 31st is a sweeter treat than Halloween candy. Christians do have a "day" to celebrate. It is a significant day that we can never forget and take for granted. October 31st is indeed Reformation Day. This day commemorates an event that struck Wittenburg (Germany) with a hammer bang on the church door by a man named Martin Luther.
Luther confronted the issues that the Roman Catholic Church was doing for the lay people who had no access to the Bible. The Catholic church was promoting this false teaching called indulgence where it basically teaches that in order to be saved, you have to pay your way to heaven. Luther opposed that idea, the Catholic church and the Pope. Indeed, this confrontation and opposition got him into a lot of trouble in the Catholic church. Luther was soon tried by the church and had to recant of his teaching. During the trial, Luther's response shocked the crowd, "I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen."
Martin Luther's legacy has lived on for 500 years. Luther is one of the most significant figures that God raised up in the early 16th century - October 31st, 1517. Luther nailed his 95 thesis on the church of Wittenburg for the purpose of restoring the missing doctrine called the Doctrine Of Justification By Faith, and confronting the Catholic church. The Catholic church was teaching that we obtain salvation by merit. Luther's rediscovery of the forgotten truth lead to what it was historically called the Reformation or the Protestant Reformation. Luther rediscovered from Scripture that "salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and good works result from our faith, they are not added to it as the grounds for our right standing in the Lord’s eyes (Eph. 2:8-10). Justification, God’s declaration that we are not guilty, forgiven of sin, and righteous in His sight comes because through our faith alone the Father imputes, or reckons to our account, the perfect righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21)." (Link)
You can read more about Reformation Day by typing this event on the Google Search Engine.
In our western society and the church, this historical event has been forgotten. Christians attend church without understanding the history of how the church got here. Christians, we need to understand why we believe what we believe and teach what we teach. By doing so, we will know what we believe, why we believe it, how to live it, and how to share it.
Did you know that because of Reformation Day, we have our own translation of the Bible? Let us continue to not take our faith for granted, but to equip ourselves with Biblical Truth and live out that truth daily.
After six weeks of being away from ministry, Mark Driscoll made his verdict on Wednesday by resigning as a Preaching & Vision Pastor of Mars Hill Church. Simply by typing "Mark Driscoll" on the Google Search Engine, you will find many news pertaining to this story.
I am personally sad yet not surprised. According to the letter of resignation, Driscoll says, “today, also by God’s grace, and with the full support of my wife Grace, I resign my position as pastor and elder of Mars Hill. I do so with profound sadness, but also with complete peace.” He also noted that his situation is not safe or healthy for his family.
I was first exposed to Mark Driscoll's teaching as a young new Christian. I think the first message that I heard from him was either the "Religion Saves" series or "1 + 2 Peter" series or one of the Easter messages. He's very influential in his style of preaching. He's boldness to talk about controversial issues sparked many interests to the "Young, Restless and Reformed". I love Driscoll. I love his enthusiasm. I love his toughness on men. I am sure that many Christians were influenced by him.
Without getting too deep into the discussion of what happened for the past two years with his ministry, this entry is not an attack on his reputation. I am 100% sure that there's already enough of that going on in the internet. This entry is simply reflections on what I've learned and observed from the ministry of a mega-church pastor.
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#1: Fruit is important
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Someone told me, "Driscoll may be going through a lot of trouble, but at least his messages have transformed many people's lives. He has solid teaching and solid theology."
There is truth to that statement. We need to, however, remember what Paul said to Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:16) To keep a close watch on yourself means to watch out in how you live your life. John MacArthur said, "the priorities of a godly leader are summed up in his personal holiness and public teaching." We already know on the news that Driscoll's behavior towards his colleagues is abusive. We already know the controversies that he's involved in. Though his teachings are Biblical, the teachings also need to reflect his life.
We all need this. We don't just need solid knowledge and being able to teach. Teaching is not the means to the end of a leader. All of us need to pay a closer attention to how we live our lives. Again, John MacArthur states this, "by careful attention to his own godly life and faithful preaching of the word, Timothy would continue to be the human instrument God used to bring the gospel and to save some who heard him. Though salvation is God’s work, it is his pleasure to do it through human instruments."
My pastor said that we need to work on the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit of the Spirit is eternal while Spiritual Gift is temporary. Fruit of what a Christian is while gift is what a Christian does. Gift can be abused because they can be used to manipulate or exert power or control in personal and/or relationships.
Question for all of us: Do we see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives? How is the fruit being evident in our lives and in the lives of others? Do we live out what we teach/preach?
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#2: Bad Reputation Is Worse Than No Popularity
==========================================I don't know how to entitle this one, but you may understand my point.
I used like fame. I used to like people to recognize me and my works. I dreamed of one day to be a "celebrity pastor". However, I have repented of all those ideas and my pride.
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1) I highly suggest that all of us hold a good reputation in our own surroundings. May we receive favor from the people we see. Cheating, lying, deceiving, manipulating and abusing for one's own gain is the way of a fool.
I would rather stay low and be recognized by the people in my own church, and that I get to know the flock that I shepherd. There is no doubt that "elders who rule" should be "considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." (1 Timothy 5:17) We need to respect and thank the elders who look after us and teach us the word of God.
It would be an honor, though, to teach alongside with John MacArthur, John Piper, DA Carson, Tim Keller, and other men with good name. Of course, they have their own critics, but they do hold to the qualifications of an elder. (1 Timothy 3)
I am called to fulfill my ministry (2 Timothy 4:5), and not be like someone I am not. I don't need to be popular. I don't need to be a celebrity. I want to be faithful with what God has given me.
Question: What kind of name are we making for ourselves? Do we find favor in the eyes the people we work with or go to school with? If someone were to describe you, what would they say about you?
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Conclusion
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I think two reflections on my part are good enough. I think that there lots to learn in our own ministry.
Let us not stop here. As Mars Hill Church and Driscoll are going through a difficult season, it is important that we uphold them in prayer. As "cliche" as this verse is, it still rings solid truth for those who are being conformed into the image of Christ: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Last night, my mom asked me to check out the line-up for the release of the new iPhone 6/6+ at Oakridge Centre. A couple of my buddies and I went to Oakridge and saw a massive line-up at 8:30PM.
In comparison to iPhone 6 and Boxing Day (or Black Friday), you only get the regular price of an iPhone 6, and you do not get any discount for it. I keep pondering, "Why do people line up for a phone that does not help them save money?" It is possible that iPhone 6 is totally a new gadget that people want to get their hands on (no duh). IPhone 6 is a new trend. Some people enjoy being part of the trend or something viral, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Now, in terms of lining up for an iPhone 6...no comment. (LINK) I don't understand everything about people's motivation (although my mom wanted to buy it and sell it in Hong Kong in order to earn profit), but I do know something about the nature of the human heart.
We all desire something or someone to satisfy our inner longing or fulfillment. But why? There are philosophical or scientific answers to these questions, but let's set our focus on what God says to us.
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) The author realizes that both his desire to understand all of life, as well as the limitations on his ability to do so, have been ordained by God. We are all wired to understand life, and even have certain desires to fulfill our longings. The reason why these trendy things won't last is because they satisfy us temporarily; they do not satisfy us forever. Within a certain time, we are already seeking out something else to satisfy us. (two months later, people are already waiting for the iPhone 6S)
We are living in a fallen world. A world full of problems. A world full of lust. A world full of sin. A world full of idolatry. The nature of the human heart is that we are sinners.
Lining up for an iPhone 6, or Boxing Day, or Black Friday, is perhaps to be a day full of idolatry. Believe it or not, we are all worshipers of something or someone. "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator." (Romans 1:25)
In order for our hearts to be satisfied, we need to seek out the one who created us. Saint Augustine said, "Our heart is restless, until it rest in Thee." Jesus promises us this, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
I confess...I'll probably line up for the Nexus 6 (Nexus X). If you ever need someone to line up for you, then give me a call. I only charges $20/hour.
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Introduction
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I want to follow up with another entry from my last post, "Are Christians Done With The Bible?"
The statistics given by the Canadian Bible Engagement Study are astonishing, showing that most Canadian Christians never read the Bible. So, the natural question that follows is: not reading the Bible, does it make a Christian less spiritually mature? Am I adding more rules by insisting on the importance of reading the Bible - being legalistic - over this issue?
I am certainly not being legalistic over this issue, but rather, it is a pastoral concern for God's people. The Bible speaks about growing spiritually through knowing God's Word (1 Peter 1:23-2:3). Indeed, Christians do need to read the Bible in order to grow into a deep maturity in our walk with God - of course, we need to integrate other ways of growing spiritually as well, such as prayer, fellowship, and evangelism. By not reading and understanding the Bible and, thus not maturing in our faith in God, we will head into wrong directions, we can suffer grave consequences, and we will have a hard time discerning what is good and evil (Hebrews 5:11-6:2). When a false teacher comes to teach at your church, are you ready to discern if he/she is faithfully preaching God's Word? As Christians, it is vitally important that we are rooted in God's Word.
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Reasons and Responses
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Tommy, what you said is true and I know I need to read the Bible, but I __________. (fill in the blank)
I have personally heard many reasons (excuses) from Christians for not reading the Bible, and I believe Satan is indeed crafty enough to put some of these deceptive thoughts into the mind of the Christians. There are legitimate reasons for not reading the Bible - if you are blind, or if you suffer from a mental disorder... if you completely have no access to the Bible in a language that you understand. We pray and hope that somehow God's Word would reach them. But let's say you are not blind and do not have any mental disorder or diseases or whatsoever, you technically do not have many excuses to make. In Canada, we have Bibles everywhere - in church, bookstores, in our apps. We have the greatest privilege to hold God's Word at the palm of our hands! Many persecuted Christians in third world countries LONG to hold the Bible and own one, but we Canadians have taken it for granted.
Reason #1: I am too tired and busy.
As Jesus said in the Garden of Gesthename, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." However, Jesus also said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Does this sound promising? That Jesus would give rest for our souls when we learn from Him? If you are feeling tired and busy, Jesus invites you to come to Him.
Reason #2: I need to feel like reading the Bible first.
When an enemy attacks you during war, will you say, "Oh, I need to feel like picking up my sword/gun first before I go and fight?" You would be dead by then. Our spiritual enemies, Satan and his demons, are constantly attacking us. They will not wait for us to feel like fighting back. Remember, this is a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). We have the need to equip ourselves with the armor of God as opposed to us needing to FEEL like equipping ourselves with the armor of God - this is especially true for the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Reason #3: I can hear the Spirit speak to me so I don't really need the Bible.
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1) How do you know if what you hear is the Holy Spirit? You need to test the Spirit. How do you test the Spirit? We need to compare what we hear to God's Word. The Bible holds the highest authority over against whatever we may hear or sense in our thoughts. That's not to say God doesn't speak to us anymore, but if we do hear a voice, and think that it is from God, we need to be spiritually discerning.
Reason #4: I can't understand the Bible.
There are parts in the Bible that are not easy to understand. Peter acknowledges that some of Paul's teachings "are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures." (2 Peter 3:16) However, if you are a Christian filled with the Holy Spirit, you have the spiritual capacity to understand the things of God (Psalm 119:18), as opposed to those who are not Christians. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16) The Holy Spirit illuminates truth to His people, and we need to pray and ask God for help in understanding His Word (2 Timothy 2:7). This is a call for humility.
UPDATE: You can always get a good study Bible that provides commentaries. I highly recommend the ESV Study Bible.
Reason #5: The Bible is just too boring.
John Piper said, "The Bible can NEVER be boring...Avatar is boring!" If that's your attitude towards the Bible, then you need to go back to the basics, which is understanding the Gospel, because this is the issue at heart. When you understand the Gospel, and how the entire Bible points toward Jesus, my prayer and hope is that you will have a profound and renewed desire to know His Word. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)
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Conclusion
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Okay Tommy, no more excuses for me! I'm going to read the Bible right now!
Before we do that, let's examine ourselves first. We need to confess our sins and repent of them, which means we need to have our minds renewed. We need to come and meditate on the beauty of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus asks us, "Do you love me?"
Do we love God? If we love God, then we would want to obey Him. How can we KNOW how to obey Him? God has given us His Word - the Bible - to know Him and to obey Him. We all need a renewed desire to know God's Word. In the entire meta-narrative of the Bible, God has given us the two greatest commandments: Love God and Love Others. God has also called His people to keep His Word because of His love and redemptive work in our lives; from the time of Exodus until now.
I'm not saying we have to be perfect, but what I am saying is that we be intentional and committed to reading the Bible no matter where we are and what circumstances we are in.
Canadian Bible Engagement Study (CBES) drew a conclusion that the "majority of Canadians, including those who identify themselves as Christians, read the Bible either seldom or never."
As of 2013, CBES conducted an extensive study and research on Canadians, including professing Christians, for "Bible Reading Frequency". I quote, "About one in seven Canadian Christians, or 14%, read the Bible at least once a week. The majority of Canadians, including those who identify themselves as Christians, read the Bible either seldom or never." But what does this mean? 4/5 Canadian Christians report that they read the Bible seldom or never...and here is the rest of the report for "Bible Reading Frequency" in Canada.
5% Read The Bible Daily.
4% Read The Bible A Few Times A Week.
2% Read The Bible Once A Week.
3% Read The Bible Once or Twice A Month.
7% Read The Bible A Few Times A Year.
25% Seldom Read The Bible.
55% Never Read The Bible.
As astonishing as this sounds, this is true. About 75% Canadians who profess to be Christians report that they seldom or never read the Bible. Whether the statistics are entirely accurate or not, accuracy is not the real issue. The real issue lies deep down at the core of our personhood - our heart. Do we really love God and what He has to say to us?
If CBES were to conduct a research at your local church, where would you land in the statistics? This is not done for the purpose of guilt-tripping Christians, but this is epidemic (no hyperbole) and requires a call to reflect on our faith. (click HERE to read more)
Here's the big idea for this entry: MOST CANADIAN CHRISTIANS NEVER READ THE BIBLE.
Where do we go from there? How should I answer the question from the title? It is a call for me to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I need to pray for myself, my pastors, my leaders in Oakridge Baptist Church. I invite you to pray with me as well.
We may not be perfect, but I pray that we would have the same attitude towards studying the Bible as the Psalmist in Psalm 119, where he shows a vigorous love and passion for God's Word - His inerrant word, His authoritative word, His inspired word, and His sufficient word.
