The McMuffin Maker

 Sad news out of Los Angeles this morning.  Herb Peterson, the guy who invented the Egg McMuffin passed away yesterday. 

It’s been a few years since I’ve had an Egg McMuffin, but it was a regular breakfast item after college and before getting married.  So in Herb’s memory, maybe I should run out this morning and get one– with sausage.

Servants of the Great Physician

 This morning I had the privilege to speak at the chapel service of the Christian Medical & Dental Association.  My thanks to Barbara Snapp for the invitation, and for giving Carolyn and me the guided tour.  The facility is beautiful, and your ministry operation is impressive.  

For those unfamiliar, CMDA is a multifaceted ministry and network of Christian physicans, dentists, and other medical professionals.  They offer support and encouragement to those engaged in the medical arts though discipleship, prayer, conferences and research.  They engage the culture by offering a Biblical worldview on issues related to medical ethics. And through their short-term missions arm, Global Health Outreach, CMDA provides opportunities for medical professionals (and others) to minister throughout both developing nations and countries otherwise closed to the Gospel.

Full Effect of the Cross

The full effect of the cross becomes clear only in the following statement:  

“God gave him up for us all”. 

The cross was the means by which Christ became a sin offering, ‘bore the sins of many’ (Isaiah 53:12), and reconciled sinners to God.  

-James R. Edward, New International Biblical Commentary: Romans

Reason for God

Tim Keller has been described as “one of God’s unique voices to this generation”.  While that is a lofty accolade, I think it is apropos.  As the planter and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan Keller has plowed ground where few contemporary Evangelicals have born much fruit – where, frankly, relatively few had even tried. 

But Keller’s influence is probably not measured best by geography.   

He has been a leading voice calling Evangelicals back to the cities.  Keller’s refrain: “Whatever has the city by the throat carries the culture” has resonated with many. The result has been a resurgence of effective church planting in the major cultural centers throughout the US.   

And Keller was doing mercy ministry when mercy ministry wasn’t cool – at least not cool in the mainstream. 

There have always been evangelical advocates and practitioners of ministries of compassion and development.  But the leaders of this movement – like John Perkins and my friend Randy Nabors - are unique individuals. And seeing these men as unique few seemed to have followed their lead. People admired them, appreciated them, and at times supported their mission and vision, but even just a few years ago few “normal” conservative evangelical congregations engaged in similar work. 

Keller, however, by example and instruction, has been a catalyst for mainstream evangelical churches to engage in a more holistic mission. His first book, Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road, has become a manual for those exploring the “how-to’s” and “why-do’s” of mercy ministry. (And it is on my recommended list of “Must Reads”.) 

Keller now has a new book on the market, The Reason for God.  It is #7 non-fiction book on the upcoming New York Times Best Sellers list. A Newsweek review says: “it as is a high-minded argument against recent popular atheist tracts like Christopher Hitchens’s “God Is Not Great.” Elsewhere the book is referred to as “this generations Mere Christianity.” 

I’ve read the book, and I find it excellent.  I unhesitatingly commend it to anyone who has a philosophical bent, and/or who is struggling with the authenticity of Christianity. But I also suspect it is not a book for everyone. Christians who are not wresting with the questions posed by intellectual atheists may appreciate Keller’s insights, but may not benefit from his reasoning.  It is not that it is difficult reading. It is just that the wealth  offered is not something such readers feel themselves needing or wanting.   Thus the value is lessened.

On a final note, the Newsweek reviewer expressed some disappointment with the book.  She had been to Redeemer Church, where she heard Keller preach.  I suspect her expectations were raised to an unrealistic level.  Keller is self admittedly a “better speaker than writer”.  So it is fortunate that Redeemer has posted the sermon series that spawned the book:  

The Trouble with Christianity: Why it’s So Hard to Believe It 

Won’t You Wear a Sweater? Day – March 20

 It has not received a lot of publicity, so you may not have heard about it.  Thursday has been designated as “Sweater Day” in honor of Mr. Rogers.   

Family Communications is urging people all around the world to wear sweaters March 20, on what would have been Fred Rogers’ 80th Birthday. Rogers passed away a few years ago as a result of cancer.

“We’re asking everyone (including members of the media) everywhere (from Pittsburgh to Paris) to wear their favorite sweater on that day,” says David Newell a.k.a. Mr. McFeely.  “It doesn’t have to have a zipper down the front like the one Mister Rogers wore on the program, it just has to be special to you.”

They’re BACK: Bristol Race Weekend

  I understand how my wife feels.  No, not always. Probably not even often enough.  But I understand how she probably feels when I am talking with our boys about football.   

Both of our sons have above average grasp of football. Our older son, Andrew, has a well above average knowledge of the game, and thinks he might want to coach one day. His understanding is not just like that of a typical fan, knowing stars and some stats.  He has a good grasp of the nuances of the game.  So when we talk about the game it is often more about recognizing defensive coverages, strategy, mechanics, and stuff like that.   

Carolyn is just lost once we get started.  She was a sorority girl. She went through high school and college thinking football was just a social event! (What a foolish notion, huh?)  She pretends to care, but it is obvious that the way we watch the game sucks all the fun out of it for her.  But she does try. 

But I think I do understand how she feels.  Because try as I have, I have yet to figure out this NASCAR thing.  People all around me – adults and 6 year olds alike - talk, not only of their favorite drivers but, of the mechanics and strategies involved in the race.  Strategy is evidently of particular importance at Bristol Motor Speedway.  (I naively assumed the “strategy” was to go faster than the other guy. Apparently that’s not all there is to it.)  I nod my head, trying to look convincing, as if I understand the conversation, but I don’t think I fool anyone.  I have almost no understanding of what they are talking about.  

But I am trying.  That’s important because it is important to the people who live here.   

This weekend is one of two weekends each year when hundreds of thousands of people will flock to our Mayberry-like town to watch a race. A city of just under 50,000 swells to nearly a half million!  The Speedway stadium itself seats 160,000.  (That’s 50% more than the largest college football stadiums: Michigan, Penn State, and Tennessee.) 

And I had no idea that there were so many RV’s in America. I can’t imagine there are many more out there, because they are all in Bristol! Traffic is like the beltway in Atlanta, or getting through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel in Pittsburgh.  Before the race last August (our first as residents here) Carolyn and I were warned to just stay in during race weekend; but we were also told to go drive around during the race.  We were astounded.  We measured RV’s, bumper-to-bumper as wide & deep as you can imagine, for up to three miles in three of the four directions around the track; and probably a mile in the other.   

Clearly this is a cultural phenomena… one that it is important that I learn to appreciate. 

Why is it important? Because it is important to the people around here (and evidently a lot of other places). I don’t think I could effectively pastor if I didn’t learn. It is part of the culture.  

So I have the opportunity this weekend to experience two things that have spiritual significance for me: 1) Sensitivity to how I make my wife feel sometimes; 2) Humbly acknowledge I really don’t know much.   

I just hope I can experience both without looking too stupid.  

Reformed University Ministries

 

 

I thought I was just going to a meeting. Somehow I came away as the new chairman.   

 I was recently appointed by my presbytery to serve on the committee that oversees the work of Reformed University Ministries (RUM) at East Tennessee State University and at King College. (For those who are not Presbyterian, the presbytery is the regional network of pastors and churches.)  I’ve served on a number of committees in the two prior presbyteries of which I was a member, so it was not unfamiliar territory. I’ve even had the privilege of chairing several of them. But since I was new to this presbytery, I was a little surprised to be appointed at all.   

Then last night I went to my first committee meeting as a member of Westminster Presbytery.  The current chairman had recently announced that he will soon be moving to Morgantown, West Virginia to plant a church, and a replacement would need to be elected.  To my surprise I was nominated and, even more to my surprise, elected chairman.   

I expressed hesitancy but willingness if others would help me get acclimated to the new role.  But my hesitancies are in no way reflective of my thoughts about RUM.  In fact I think very highly of the ministry, and I am excited about working with them in this capacity.   

I have a fondness for campus ministries, both high school and college.  I have posted at other times about my affinity for and affiliation with Young Life.  And RUF (which is the designation for the individual campus “Fellowships”) is close to my heart.  Carolyn & I briefly considered working with RUF after seminary, but chose church planting, and subsequently church revitalization, instead.  But we have continued to work with, and build friendships with, those who are laboring on the campus. 

RUF’s slogan is: A Heart for God… a Love for the Campus.  As one of the fastest growing ministries in the country, they are presently on 110 campuses in the USA, and also expanding internationally. 

But RUF is distinct from most other campus ministries in several ways:  

First, and perhaps most significant, is that each campus is led by a seminary trained, ordained minister from the PCA. As the ministry grows larger – as in many cases throughout the South, RUF is the largest ministry on a number of campuses – interns who have not yet attended seminary may also be brought on board. But the leadership is well versed biblically & theologically.   

Secondly, RUF recognizes that the primary responsibility of the student is to get an education.  Therefore, unlike some other ministries – including one I was involved with in college – RUF leaders help students develop a holistic Biblical worldview with which they can interact with the intellectual challenges presented in most departments of their college. Students are not expected to “major” in RUF.  In other words RUF does not seek to dominate the time & life of the students, instead they seek to enhance it.   

Probably the most unique, at least to my knowledge, is that RUF often impacts the leaders of other campus ministries.  It is not unusual to find the leaders of Campus Crusade, or BSU, or from Young Life among other students at RUF meetings.  Often these leaders are hungry for the solid teaching.  These student leaders are shaped by RUF discipleship, and then share what they have learned with those involved in the other ministries.  That’s exciting. 

I ask you to pray for RUF, particularly at ETSU.  

And if you know any college students, even if you are not familiar with RUF, I invite you to check out  RUF on the web.  You’ll find a number of great resources, messages, and music. And don’t neglet to let the students know about it.     

Which Way?

Your life hangs on how you relate these two statements: 

1.      “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous” (1 John 2:1).

2.      “Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you” (John 5:14). 

Do you experience the first one weakening the second? 

Or do you experience the first one joyfully empowering the second? 

Your life hangs on your answer. 

- by John Piper , via Missio Dei Suburbia 

Campaign Comedy

I don’t know if John McCain would approve the message, but Steve Brown, of Old White Guy blog, has developed an entertaining campaign song, posted on Comedy Bits & Pieces…

Take a listen: Ma-Caine

NOTE: Once you hear it you may have difficulty beleiving this guy is a professor at a conservative seminary!

Easy Chairs & Hard Words – Part 6

by Douglas Wilson

We join a conservation in progress; it is between a young theological questioner who grew up in a typical Evangelical church, and an older pastor from a more historical theological tradition.

“Look,” I said, “I have heard you mention that many Christians don’t study their Bibles. Were you saying that anyone who disagrees with you on this question of God’s sovereignty hasn’t done his homework?”  

Pastor Spenser shook his head. “No, I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying that, in my experience, most of them have not.”  

“But you would agree that there are fine Bible scholars who differ with you on this?”  

“That depends on what you mean.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“There are men who are fine Christians who do not understand this truth. There are men who are fine scholars who differ with it. But when they dispute this truth, in certain key passages, there is an unfortunate lapse of their scholarship.”  

“May I play the devil’s advocate?”  

“Certainly.”  

“Who are you to say what the correct interpretation is? Isn’t it arrogant of you to say that you are right and all the others are wrong?”  

“It is not a question of whether I am right. It is a question of whether God revealed this truth in his Word, or not.”  

“I don’t get your point.”  

“We must not, as Christians, determine whether or not God has revealed something by how many men acknowledge the revelation. The content of the revelation is determined by the careful and laborious study of the text. It is not determined by counting noses. Not even scholarly noses.”  

“Are you saying that you cannot make a mistake when you go to the text?”  

“No, certainly not. I have made many mistakes. But I may only acknowledge my error when someone shows me the mistake from the text.”  

“Now how does this relate to the question of God’s exhaustive sovereignty?”  

“I have had many Christians tell me I am wrong about all this predestination business. But only a handful of them have ever endeavored to demonstrate the error I am supposed to be making from the text.”  

“What do the rest of them do?”  

“They break down into two basic categories. The first group talks just long enough to establish where the disagreement lies; after that, they avoid any discussion of the issue. Thinking about it discomfits them. The second group will talk about it; indeed, many times they enjoy talking about it. But the authority to which they appeal makes any resolution of the question impossible. Their authority, their court of appeals, is reason, common sense, and armchair philosophy. They will say that reason requires us to acknowledge that we have ‘free will’. Otherwise, how could God blame us? For who resists His will? This group acknowledges the authority of the Bible – on paper – but does not submit to the arbitration of Scripture.”  

“Why do you think this is?”  

“I cannot say; I merely see the results of it. Only God sees the heart. I am not competent to say what obstacles may exist in their hearts, although I do not doubt they are there. It is my business to see to it that there is no obstacle to their understanding in my heart.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“I mean any kind of pride, haughtiness, impatience…whatever. If there is any of this on my part, it may well be used by God to keep fellow Christians from these wonderful truths. In the providence of God, matters are arranged in the church in such a way that it is possible to stumble your brother.”  

“Can you give me an example of this from Scripture?”  

“Sure. In 2 Timothy 2:25, it assumes that God is the Giver of repentance. When a man repents, he is the recipient of a gift.”  

I had looked the passage up. “Well, it sure looks that way.”  

“Now many Christians deny that repentance is a gift of God. In a discussion with such a person, what do you think the temptation is?”  

I grinned. “To beat them over the head with this verse?”  

“Exactly. Now back up and read the previous verse, this verse, and the verse after.”  

I looked down. “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”  

I glanced up again. “But isn’t this talking about a debate with a non-Christian?”  

“Yes, it is. And if we ought to correct unbelievers with such humility, what should our demeanor be toward brothers?”  

“Got it.” I said.  

“Now notice that the behavior of the one who knows the truth is connected with the possible change of heart of the one listening, if God is gracious and so wills it.”  

“So how do you tie this in with our discussion? If all this is so clear in the Scriptures, why do Christians deny what you say the Bible teaches?”  

“I would suggest that the problem is not with those who don’t believe it, but with those who do.”  

“How so?”  

“Some Christians deny God’s exhaustive sovereignty, and they live in a manner consistent with that denial. Other Christians affirm it, but then go on to deny it with their lives. The second group has more to answer for.”  

“You can’t be saying that the church is in this sad condition because this is the way God has willed it?”  

“Well, yes, I am. If God controls everything, then He certainly controls this.”  

“But why? That seems so contrary to everything I have ever learned about God and His relationship to the church.”  

“I don’t know why either. I am not sure a creature could understand why. But I do know that I am not going to water down clear statements of Scripture just because I want to worship a God who meets with my approval!”  

“Is there any passage of Scripture that teaches that God controls backslidings?”  

“Yes. Isaiah 63:17. `O Lord, why have You made us stray from Your ways, and hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance.’”  

“So you are also saying that the reason so many Christians deny this truth is…”  

“…is that God has willed it. Yes. He has hardened our hearts. And, anticipating the question, it does not lessen our responsibility in the slightest.”  

“Is it wrong to ask why God does this?”  

“No. Isaiah asks why. I believe that when Christians acknowledge that God has done this, and begin tearfully asking why He has done it, we will be on the edge of true revival. True revival is something He gives.”  

I was shaking my head. “I don’t know…”  

Pastor Spenser went on. “The modern evangelical church is drowning in an ocean of theological stupidity. Here and there are handfuls of the `orthodox’ clinging to the wreckage of what was once a great ship. In such a condition, it is impertinent to even be tempted to pride.”

“But why would God do that to His own ship?”  

“He has done it, and He is God. That is enough. By all that Scripture teaches, His reasons were good, just, and holy. And when we consider the glorious future that is promised for the gospel in the world, we should take courage as we pray for revival. It will be clear to us later.”  

“And in the meantime…?”  

“In the meantime, those Christians who have been given an understanding of this should not puff themselves up. We know that what Job says in Job 42:2 is true. `I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from you.’ But they must also respond to this truth the way Job did in vv. 5-6. `I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.’”  

“How are you applying this?”  

“It is one thing to hear truth, and agree with it. Many have come to believe these things simply because they are attracted to a system which is logically consistent. Or perhaps they are repelled by the shallowness of so much of our preaching and teaching today. Or they are the studious type, and like to read books by the Puritans.”  

Pastor Spenser went on. “But it is quite another thing to be given a vision of the glory of God and to be, like Job, undone by it.”  

“Are you saying it is bad to be studious, or systematic?”  

“No, not at all. Hard study is required by God, as well as to compare carefully one portion of Scripture with another. Over many years, many people have told me that I study too much, but the Holy Spirit convicts me regularly that I study too little.”  

“What are you saying then?”  

“Hard study can be compared to chopping wood, assembling the kindling, and putting all the wood together for the fire. There are churches that have a good idea of where the wood should go, but they have forgotten there is supposed to be a fire.”  

“And others…?”  

“Others, theologically shallow, know there is supposed to be a fire. But they use grass, thorns, paper, and a lot of lighter fluid.”  

“How do you see your work?”  

“I have chopped a lot of good wood – although less than I should have – and I have assembled it. Now I am waiting, and praying to God.”  

“Praying for what?”  Pastor Spenser thought for a moment.

“Praying for the fire to fall.”

****

This is Part 6 in a series of 6.