An Unexpected Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning started much like every other year, less Santa who was outed last year which made for a much more relaxing morning. We put on the Messiah for background music, I got my cup of hot English Breakfast tea, Eric his black coffee and we let the kids come down to begin opening presents. It's really hard to say what is more exciting for the kids, giving us the gifts they picked out for us or opening their own! They prefaced every gift we opened from them with comments like, "You are going to love it!" or " I made it just for you!" or "Shake it first or don't shake it first." and with great delight.

 Later, I was cleaning up and preparing for Eric's parents who would be coming for dinner later when my soon to be neighbor texted me asking if our kids would be available for a play date later that day. I thought it an unusual request on Christmas Day but wanting to be hospitable to a future neighbor, agreed for them to play for an hour or so. It is my opinion that one should go the extra mile for one's neighbor. She and her two children came over and I invited them in and asked her how she had managed moving to a new house in the midst of Christmas to which she replied, "We don't celebrate Christmas." Our youngest and most exuberant child who is not shy, exclaimed,"You don't celebrate Christmas!" which is exactly what I was thinking, but not saying. My mind instead was frantically thinking about how to handle this astonishing statement that was stated in my very own living room on Christmas day! I looked at her children and was instantly very sad that this day was just like any other day for them, that they in all likelihood do not know that Jesus was born into the world to make a way for them to know God. I decided not to immediately take her down the Roman's Road and chose to wait, especially in light of the remote control helicopter that my son was flying around us to show his new friend. Although anxious, I need to wait to see how God will have me share His wonderful story with her. Judging from her eagerness in wanting to get to know our family, I have a feeling that having an opportunity will not not be a problem. Will I say too much, too often? not enough?  I hope and pray that I can share the right message at the right time and mostly with the right spirit. I'll take a cue from my good friend, Paul...

When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.^{[a] 2} For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ³ I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. ⁴ My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵ so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

How Does Jesus Come to Newton?

How Does Jesus Come to Newtown?

byJohn Piper|December 14, 2012

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We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize . . . but one who in every respect has been tested as we are. (Hebrews 4:15)

Mass murder is why Jesus came into the world the way he did. What kind of Savior do we need when our hearts are shredded by brutal loss?
We need a suffering Savior. We need a Savior who has tasted the cup of horror we are being forced to drink.
And that is how he came. He knew what this world needed. Not a comedian. Not a sports hero. Not a movie star. Not a political genius. Not a doctor. Not even a pastor. The world needed what no mere man could be.
The world needed a suffering Sovereign. Mere suffering would not do. Mere sovereignty would not do. The one is not strong enough to save; the other is not weak enough to sympathize.
So he came as who he was: the compassionate King. The crushed Conqueror. The lamb-like Lion. The suffering Sovereign.
Now he comes to Newtown, Connecticut.

• Perfected through suffering. (Hebrews 2:10)
• Hated by the proud. (John 7:7)
• Demonized by the strong. (Matthew 9:34)
• Willingly poor. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
• A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53:3)
• Planning to be crushed. (Isaiah 53:5)
• Despised and rejected. (Isaiah 53:3)
• Ready to be wounded. (Isaiah 53:5)
• Submissive like a lamb led to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7)
• Enduring anguish. (Isaiah 53:11)
• Poured out in death. (Isaiah 53:12)
• Risen to help. (Romans 14:7–9)

The God who draws near to Newtown is the suffering, sympathetic God-man, Jesus Christ. No one else can feel what he has felt. No one else can love like he can love. No one else can heal like he can heal. No one else can save like he can save.

Cookie Exchange

We exchanged delicious cookies and enjoyed a fun time at our first Class Cookie Exchange. Many thanks to Nellie for hosting!

Dec 9, 2012 - Christmas Characters

Led by Bob Carroll

Dec 2, 2012 - Legacy - Grandparents are Important

Led by Bill Gambrell

Nov 25, 2012 - An Attitude of Thankfulness

Led by Holly Lundberg

I love Christmas

I personally love Christmas! I love Christmas music, Christmas cookies, reading Christmas letters, watching Christmas movies and the list goes on. I don't even mind the Christmas crowds, but my favorite celebration of Christmas has to be hands down, going to the Christmas Eve service. I can pretty much mark every year of my life by Christmas Eve Services. I remember very humble services in tiny churches as well as beautiful glorious services in larger churches, all celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

My very first visit to Johnson Ferry was to attend the Christmas Eve service in 2002. George Wright happened to preach that night and he brought in live animals!  That was a first and I haven't seen them since.  I can only imagine why. It was our first time to the church and we came in the wrong entrance to encounter a very crowded service. We sat in the very last row in the balcony but each one of us lighting a candle while singing Silent Night and I was hooked. We have come every year since. The following year we sat on the last row on the main floor behind a big burly man who I'm positive was a bounty hunter! I couldn't help but notice his huge arms and huge neck, but he had come to worship Jesus Christ.

Another memorable  Christmas Eve service at Johnson Ferry was the first year we had our little kids. Our youngest wasn't feeling well so I came close to missing one. I remember praying for her to feel better so she could stay in childcare and we could stay in the service and she did. They sent her home with a craft, a sweet treat and feeling very loved. I also remember our now middle school aged child sitting right beside Bryant that night as he recounted the Children's story. Bryant would never know the road that she had traveled to be there, but God knew, amazing. The following summer she made the decision to trust Christ as her savior at Vacation Bible School and was baptized in the Children's Footsteps program.

No wonder we celebrate Him at Christmas! He is amazing and wonderful and He sent his son into the world for you and me to have a relationship with Him. Like I said, I love Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Nov 18, 2012 - Some thought provoking questions

Led by Bob Carroll

It Doesn't Have to Be Pretty

Here at Johnson Ferry we recently had an "Invite your Neighbor to church" emphasis. We included beautiful perforated Inviter cards in the bulletin, were given cards to hand out with candy on Halloween and yard signs to put in our yards to give us a spring board to invite people to church. Studies indicate that people are more likely to come to church when given a personal invitation. Did I invite one person to church? It crossed my mind and actually came so far as mentioning that I attend Johnson Ferry to someone who just purchased a house in my neighborhood. I do plan to invite them when they move in after Christmas, really!

 Meanwhile in the GA (Girls In Action) classroom, my youngest daughter who is 8 yrs. old told me that she wanted to invite one of her classmates to the Girls In Action party the following week. She had written out an invitation to her friend Miles who is a boy. I suggested that a girl might feel more comfortable at a Girls In Action party and she promptly crossed out his name and wrote her friend Maya's name above it. Too tired and distracted to do anything about her less than lovely invitation, it completely left my mind.

 It was Wednesday night and my daughter and I were waiting for her choir practice to start when she said that she hoped her friend Maya would come to the party. You know where this is going. No sooner had the words come out of her mouth when Maya and her mother came walking in the door of the church! Her mother's face was beaming and so happy that Maya had been invited to GA's and my daughter went right over to her and gave her a big hug. The church address wasn't even on the invitation! It was a Christmas miracle that she even got there!  Apparently, she had called our house and my 7th grader had given her directions. This child was clearly second choice on the invitation and she still came and couldn't have been happier.

 Humbled again by an 8 yr. old.  It's not the first time and won't be the last. It's simple really, love your neighbor or your classmate and it doesn't have to be pretty.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 11, 2012 - Legacy - Of the Home

Discussion of election results, and Legacy. Led by Bill Gambrell

In Honor of our Veterans

Nov 4, 2012 - Commissioned - What is Your Story?

Led by Bob Carroll

Candy

Oct 28, 2012 - Unified - Authentic Love in a Hate-Filled World

Led by Holly Lundberg

Oct 21, 2012 - Invested - in Your Eternity Portfolio

Led by Bill Gambrell

Oct 14, 2012 - Greatness Personified

Led by Bob Carroll

Oct 7,2012 - Transformed - By the Power of God's Word

Led by Holly Lundberg

Sept 30, 2012 - Connected - Team Meeting to Study the Playbook

Led by Bill Gambrell

Bob's Blog Post on Prayer

Most of you know that the Carroll Family has faced some daunting news this year.  It seemed that we could not catch a break.  From Andrea’s brain cancer to Jan’s serious car accident and a whole lot in between, we were really feeling the burdens of life.  The class was gracious enough to pray for us.    In fact, one Sunday morning Holly led the class in laying on of hands for us in prayer.  I can honestly report that from that day, we have had an easier time.  Andrea has finished her chemo and radiation and will now be on a maintenance dose each month.  Jan’s car was totaled, but she was not.  The insurance company was more than fair, paying us almost double what I expected.  The replacement car is not what we “wanted” but was a very safe bet until (or if) we decide to upgrade.  The story on the car is another very interesting display of how God works things out for out good and His glory – for both the us and the sellers.  Since the class laying on of hands in prayer for us many things have resolved.  Jan is still in pain, but is getting better. 

Yet I am still sick.  I am writing this while my head is spinning my sleep continues to elude me. Yet I have had so many many people pray for me.  I have had conferences stop and pray for me, laying hands on me. I have had some “heavy weight” Christians hold my hand and pray for me.  So why does it not work? 

Our class is gracious to pray for others as well.  Sometimes we can put a check next to the answered prayer box and more often we cannot.  So why does prayer sometimes work and other times not?  Why are some people, Like Rebecca Cottingham, healed so marvelously and others are not?  I can remember sitting in the church service when the testimony was given how prayer has simply healed her.  The congregation was praising God – but me, I was feeling sorry for myself.  It didn’t work for me.

I recovered from my self pity later that day, but it is hard to understand why some prayer works and others don’t.  I can’t tell you how often this is a discussion in counseling sessions – and with my wife and myself.  But the answer lies in the fallacy of the question itself.  Prayer doesn’t work. That in itself means we are using it as a tool.  Intercessory prayer is often pleading with God to do what you think is best.  

Perhaps it would be better to think of prayer as helping rather than working.  If my prayers for my health had been answered, I would probably be a much richer man.  I had a successful engineering consulting practice.  Instead I went from top 5-10% income bracket to social security disability, a rather long fall.  My 401 K’s had to be used up.  My income is fixed for the most part.  Not a rosy long term income plan.  Yet, if I did not become ill, I would not have pursued my real desire – knowing God.  My life was simply too busy.  Besides, as a Catholic turned “Public” or Protestant, I got tired of being saved every Sunday so church did not do a lot for me.  

I heard that I should rejoice in all things, but that was absurd.  I heard that God causes all things work to work together for good to those who love God.  So how was my illness any good?  People throw out those verses or buy the posters at the Christian book store.  Does that mean I should rejoice in Andrea’s brain cancer or if my wife had died in the accident?  No, it does not.  But now I know  “the rest of the story” because Romans 8:28 is followed by Romans 8:29:  “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.”  This powerful verse tells us that God foreknew us before we existed, and has predestined us and is controlling the situations and illnesses that He is either allowing or preventing from coming into our lives for a very specific purpose – that we become more conformed to the image of His Son.  That is why, I believe, that I have not been healed.  I have utilized the options from Scripture to be healed, including calling the Elders for anointing with oil and confession of sins. (James 5).  It was through that process that I came to terms with my disease.  That doesn’t mean I have overcome my selfishness or self pity.  It means that when they strike I can be reminded of the truth - that God has, and is, conforming me to the image of His Son.  I can recall that my ministry, to whatever extent I can fulfill it is enhanced because I can follow 2 Cor 1 in praising God and sharing the hope which I received with those who are going through difficult waters.  I am a much greater asset to the community of Christ because of my illness.  And all the prayers said in my behalf may not have “worked,” but boy did they help me receive grace to conform me to the image of Christ.  

As our church enters its 40 days of prayer, try to remember that we are not looking for a scorecard.  We are actually entering the throne room of God, by the earned right of Jesus Christ on our behalf, and through the benevolent act of the Holy Spirit in conveying our request to the Father to help us and others be conformed to His Son.  That may be by suffering or being healed.  It may be in understanding the loss of a child or the birth of a child.  In teaching others or serving others.  

Sometimes this means we pray for others not to be tempted, while encouraging them to flee temptation; sometimes we pray for healing or that grace could be remembered and displayed in the final months of death to encourage others to trust God.  Sometimes just a working car may be all that someone needs to trust that God is watching out for them. I know a young woman, victim of two robberies, who needs just that.

But whatever circumstances God allows us to encounter as Christians, we know that it will not be so severe that we have to sin (1 Cor 10.13), that it has not occurred outside God’s purview (Col 1.7), and that wherever sin is causing havoc, grace to the Christian will be super-abounding (James 4.6 & Romans 5.20 ).

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive (or intercede for others to receive) mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4.16) and see to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.  (Heb 12.15)  Thanks for your prayers to help me overcome my own self pity and selfishness.

Sept 23, 2012 - Gathered - For Exciting Worship

Led by Holly Lundberg

Outline for "Elevate" Week 2 - A Surrendered Life

A surrendered life to Jesus Christ begins with acknowledging your absolute dependence on God. One of the best ways to foster an attitude of surrender and dependence is by beginning your day by spending time alone with God in personal Bible study and prayer.

 

 

I.     The “Daily Quiet Time” Challenges:

A.    Routine

B.    Busyness

C.     Wrong focus

D.    Self Sufficiency

E.     Lack of intimacy

 

II.   SURRENDER GOAL #1 – DAILY PRAYER

A.   When did Jesus pray?

B.   What did Jesus prayer for?

C.   How did Jesus pray?

 

III.              SURRENDER GOAL #2 – DAILY BIBLE STUDY

A.    Have a Place

B.    Have a Plan

C.     Have The Proper Tools

 

IV.              SURRENDER GOAL #3 – CONTINUOUS REFLECTION ON GOD AND HIS WORD

 

V.  SURRENDER GOAL #4 – TRY SOME OTHER SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

A.    Fasting

B.    Spiritual Retreats

C.     Others…

Sept 16, 2012 -Young Life Presentation

Led by Katie and Aldo Felix. Also Bob Carroll leading discussion on Surrendered - The Secret to Powerful Prayer

Bob's long awaited part two

In my last blog post I ended with Peter who was facing a long dark tunnel of his own.  It must have been ironic knowing that he – the one who had healed others and even raised some from the dead -  was about to be killed and there was nothing he could do about it.  Knowing that the Lord was going to allow this suffering, and that this letter was, as far as we know, his last chance to write; he obviously wanted to impart something very important to his disciples. 

So he wrote in 2 Peter 1, “knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear to me, I will be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.”  Is his focus on himself and his troubles or others?  Is this self-pity or love?  And just what are “these things” that he wants us to call to mind?

He wants us to recall the “great and precious promises” (1 Peter 1:4).  He wants us to trust that what was written in the OT and what was being experienced and written by the apostles in the NT era was true, real – reality.

This sentiment was displayed by other apostles as well.  John, for example, started off his letter now known as 1 John by writing:

         What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

He later speaks of the promise in 1 John 2:25 “This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.”  Additionally in 1 John 5:13 he states “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Clearly John was trying to stress the reality of Jesus and encourage our belief in that reality.  But it is one thing to teach that as a disciple, it is quite another to rely upon that when one is facing a long dark tunnel in life.  Yet that is exactly what Peter does.  Knowing he is about to be murdered, he pauses to talk to us about the assurance of scripture!

Peter is thinking about the objections that will be thrown out in 2012 to members of the Lundberg/Gambrell class by unbelievers.  He wants us to know that what was said and written really really occurred!   

         For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

Wouldn’t it have strengthened your faith to be with Peter, James, and john when they were on the mountain with Jesus, Elijah and Moses?  Peter is telling us it really really occurred!  (And yes it was a mountaintop experience, except for the part where I stuck my foot in my mouth again and offered to build three tabernacles for each of them!  I mean not only did I screw up there, but God the Father had to correct me and tell me “This is my beloved son, hear Him.”)

Yet Peter’s letter doesn’t say and gee I wish you could have been here to see and hear that!  In fact, what is Peter’s take away from that experience for us?

         19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

The take away is this, as amazing as that was, you have the prophetic word (having been written in the OT and being written by apostles).  Pay attention to it!  It is your light in the dark tunnel that you are walking through!  More important than (or at least just as important as) someone else sharing my experience on the mountain is the prophetic word!  And, oh by the way, in case you think it was made up…

         20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

It is the same God who appeared to Adam, Moses, and Peter who has controlled his Scriptures.  Peter even equates Paul’s writing with “the rest of scripture” when he states in 2 Peter 3:14–16:

         Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

It is truly amazing that at the time of his death, Peter took the time to encourage them (and as a result us) that Scripture is really really true.

That is what Peter, Stephen, Paul, Luke, John, et al, strove to remind us and assure us that the promises were not only marvelous, but true!

Yet another apostle gives us an example of how to face hardship, prison and death. Paul writes that it is “by renewing the mind” (Rom 12:1,2) from scripture that we are reminded of the reality of the promises.   We know he believes this because in his second letter to Timothy, Paul is also aware he is going to be put to death.  This man, as with Peter, who performed such great miracles and endured such trials is now just another prisoner.  He sends this letter to encourage Timothy (do we see a pattern here?) and to ask him a personal favor.  Would you be ready to do a personal favor for Paul if you could?  The favor was rather simple, dangerous, but simple.  His request from his cold damp prison was this:

Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. 12 But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.  (2 Timothy 4:11–13)

John, Peter and Paul all warned that after their death dangerous wolves would come in to destroy the hope and faith of Jesus’ disciples.  They spent their lives assuring people (and by extension us) that Jesus has overcome the world.  They were eyewitnesses.  All forwarning us that when things are really really bad – look to that which is really really true and follow Paul’s example, ask for a warm coat, a few good Christian friends and the writings – which for centuries now have been the light and hope in a dark tunnel.

Sept 9, 2012 - Elevate - What's Most Important In Life

Led by Holly Lundberg.

Sept 2, 2012 - Acts Study wrap-up

Wrap-up lesson and class discussion of Acts using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Holly Lundberg.

Wear's Valley Ranch

We completed our first class mission trip to Wear's Valley Ranch this past weekend. It was a fast trip comprised of a relatively small group, but we accomplished quite a bit. We painted one apartment, cut back a huge amount of overgrown shrubs around one building and came very close to finishing construction of the most complex chicken coop I have ever seen. While the projects that we complete are important to the ranch, it's the relationships that deepen both with each of us who go on the trip as well as with the Ranch staff and families that are my favorite part.

My particular job was painting an apartment for a new staff member who would be starting on Monday. I met and talked to him and found out he that he had come here several years before as a college student as a mentor, met his wife, left to start his career and family and is now returning to be a Biblical Counselor at the ranch. Just one of the great stories of the dedicated staff who are serving our great Lord and Savior there at the ranch.

I found life on the ranch to be simpler, the pace slower. The fact that there is virtually no phone reception definitely helps this! We were unable to get the tweets and news alerts that inundate us everyday. Instead we were able to focus on working together on our assigned jobs, usually with inferior tools, which made it that much more interesting to figure out how to accomplish each task. We had a great time working together and I for one can't wait to go back!

Let him that labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may give to him that needeth. Ephesians 4:28

August 26, 2012 - The Trials of the Ministry (Part 2 of 2)

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 21:17 - 26:32 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bill Gambrell.

August 19, 2012 - The Trials of the Ministry (Part 1 of 2)

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 21:17 - 26:32 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bill Gambrell.

Cherry on Top

Life can be difficult and it has been difficult recently at my house. There has been one particular person that has been more difficult and he has come very close to losing his life though I don't think he realizes it. It is in these times that I realize what a wimp I am, especially compared to Paul the Apostle who admittedly is a pretty high standard. We have been studying his life in Acts and it is hard to keep that man down. When I start to feel sorry for myself, I can always count on Paul's troubles to be worse than mine. He does get down, but he never loses his focus on his mission no matter what the cost.

"But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God."

My particular course at this point in time is to train three energetic children in the way they should go. Like most things in life, this is easier said than done. I have been really discouraged because of my son's behavior and was headed upstairs to deal with the 2nd or 3rd infraction of this recent unacceptable behavior. On the way upstairs, I decided to pray in that moment for God's intervention in the situation. My frame of mind was not good as I referenced in the first paragraph. I needed God to intervene and quickly! When I reached my son, I found him to be contrite and even willing to take his punishment, amazing. And God put a cherry on top for me when my newly teen-aged daughter told me that she had been sharing Proverbs with him and had written them down for him to help him. There is hope! With God there is wonderful, glorious hope. Now if I could only get her to wear her glasses at school! That would be truly amazing.

August 12, 2012 - Paul's Third Missionary Journey (2 of 2)

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 18:23 - 21:16 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bob Carroll.

August 5, 2012 - Paul's Third Missionary Journey (1 of 2)

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 18:23 - 21:16 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bob Carroll.

July 29, 2012 - Paul's Second Missionary Journey

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 15:36 - 18:22 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bill Gambrell.

Adorn the Doctrine of our Lord and Savior

…adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. 

Sometimes we live in a tunnel, with only a dim light somewhere far off that gives us hope that perhaps there is an end to the madness we are facing.  In moments like that when someone asks us to explain why we would believe in a god, it can strike one as a really really good question.  

As Americans we have been taught that we deserve life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, that these things are inalienable rights from our God. So fundamental are these rights that President Bush decided to create the Bush Doctrine to global problems using this foundation.  So when an American asks another who is in a tunnel why do you believe in god, it is natural to look at ourselves and see how god is not providing these inalienable rights and lose faith.

The problem is, these rights do not exist!  We were not created with these rights; we were created as Paul says in Titus 2:10 “to adorn the doctrine of Christ.”  Think about it, life is not a right – it is a gift, liberty is no where promised in the bible - as we are either “slaves to sin” or “slaves to righteousness.”  The pursuit of happiness borders or is hedonistic and is not a God honoring standard or goal.

Which of those rights would have helped Peter and John while standing before the Jewish leaders in Acts 4?  How about for Stephen as he was facing death in Acts chapter 6? Or even Peter as he was facing the angry Jewish Christians for baptizing Gentiles of all people!

 Instead, if there is one common theme that comes through in the book of Acts, one thread that established their purpose for their life and ministry, it was not American values - but rather it was recalling and proclaiming the glory of God.  (cf. Titus 2:10).

Peter did it in Acts 2 as he recalled God at work in the history of the Jewish race.  In Acts chapter 3 Peter healed people to show them the power and authority of God. In chapter 4 where he says, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”  In Acts chapter 5  Peter says to the high priest, “we must obey God rather than men.” In Acts chapter eight the Freedmen Acts “were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he (Stephen) was speaking.“  In Acts chapter 7 Stephen was repaid for his efforts by being stoned to death, but not before he gave a systematic survey of the glorious works of God in Jewish history. In Acts chapter 8  the Ethiopian eunuch, who was in charge of all the treasures of the queen of Ethiopia, was led to Christ by Philip explaining to him a passage in Isaiah.   In chapter 9 Ananias was directed by God himself to go to a tormentor named Saul whom God had met on the road to Damascus.  In chapter 10 God displays his vision to Peter who then speaks of the glory of God to the gentile Cornelius and his whole household was saved!   In Chapter 11 when Peter is facing the wrath of his Jewish Christian brethren for having led gentiles to the Lord his answer which settled the matter was “therefore, if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?  

We can continue on and on, but the point has been made.  So, how does this relate to our Christian in a tunnel?  Well, each of the individuals we have mentioned died for their proclamations.  They did not just lose a job or a friend.  They did not worry about their life, liberty or happiness.  In fact, Paul later explains that he is constrained, as a debtor to all, to proclaim the gospel.  He says in all circumstances he had learned to be content.  All the bravado and miracles by them that occurred in this special time – was in the end met with the long tunnel by each of them.

The key answer for our Christian in the tunnel was given by Peter when he wrote in 2 Peter 1, “knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear to me, I will be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind.”

We will unpack this further in my next blog post.

Bob Carroll

July 22, 2012 - The Jerusalem Council

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 15:1-35 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Holly Lundberg.

July 15, 2012 - Paul's First Missionary Journey

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 13:1 - 14:28 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bob Carroll.

July 8, 2012 - The Gospel to the Gentiles

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 9:32 - 12:25 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bob Carroll.

June 24, 2012 - The Gospel Begins to Spread Beyond Jerusalem

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 8:4-40 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Holly Lundberg.

Chocolate Covered Raisins

I am living in what is commonly called the sandwich generation. In my particular case, the sandwich is a triple decker club in that we still have young children living at home as well as older children who are having their own children along with aging parents. I recently became a grandmother so I'm very interested in what my new role is going to be. So far I've just been in awe of our beautiful granddaughter, but it's just been 2 weeks. What can I give my grandchildren that is different than what their parents can give them? I had the opportunity today to see what my role could be.

My mother-in-law is definitely having ups and downs with her health, more and more downs lately. But when she is feeling good, she enjoys giving our 3 youngest piano lessons. She used to be able to come to our house and give their lessons which was super convenient, but she recently suggested that I bring them to her house this week instead. While I know that this is great bonding time for them, it is at least a 3 hour proposition. I selfishly did not want to take the time but couldn't in good conscience refuse so off we went.

I predetermined that we would start with the youngest and go up from there and hope to be done before bedtime. I listened as she patiently listened to each one as they commented before and after every measure they played. She encouraged them throughout their lessons and praised each small accomplishment making them feel like piano virtuosos! While we were waiting on one, the other two played with the various geriatric contraptions they found like long handled pinchers to reach things, back scratchers, and the like. You never know what a child finds interesting and what he can do with it! My father-in-law who is a wood craftsman and the most generous man I know, gave them their very own back scratcher and wooden boxes that he had made along with chocolate covered raisins and any other edible treat he had on hand. I don't know who enjoyed the time more, my children or their grandparents.

I'm again amazed at God's patience with me, to open my eyes to see the blessing that a grandparent can be. Grandparents have the time or take the time to be encouraging while parents are prone to watch the clock. My mother used to say, "We have all the time in the world." to my older girls and she meant it. Taking the time to listen and make them feel special is a precious gift they give to my children. I hope that I can be that kind of grandparent. I guess I need to load up on chocolate covered raisins too!

Thankful

There is simply no way to witness the birth of your first grandchild and not be affected. I really didn't know what to expect from the experience since this was my first. In many ways I found it affected me more than the birth of my children, probably because I didn't have much time to reflect as a new mom. I found myself overcome with emotion at God's goodness and ridiculous love to bless us with a beautiful baby granddaughter. The fact that He has chosen this as one way to show us a glimpse of how He feels about us was such a good idea. Since He is perfect, His love is perfect so I cannot ever really grasp how much He loves me.

As much as I would like to sit in adoration of my new granddaughter,  I feel compelled to find a way to show my thanksgiving. More comfortable in doing, surely there is something I can do or give Him. Then I start to think,what can I give someone who has everything? literally! I found my answer in Psalm 100.

Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His Name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.

Amen.

June 17, 2012 - The Deacons of the Church

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 6:1 - 8:3 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Holly Lundberg.

Class Handout

Acts 5,6,7 Chapter Review

·         The young church experienced growing pains that caused dissention among the body.  Some of the Greek-speaking (Hellenists) Jewish widows were overlooked in the food distribution.  Complaints of neglect and discrimination surfaced.  The solution was to enlist more hands to help the Apostles with the work load. (Acts 4:34-5:2; 6:1-4)

·         Seven spiritually mature, wise men were chosen from among the Grecian Jews to oversee the food distribution to the needy and to aid the apostles in caring for the expanding body of the church.  The apostles prayed and laid hands on the men entrusting the Holy Spirit to empower them.  Their service was called Diakoneo (today = deacons) (Acts 6:5-7)

·         Stephen, one of the seven, was passionate about proving to others that Jesus was the Messiah. His preaching and testifying in the temple about Christ enraged some Jews entrenched in their religion and a plot was hatched to bring Stephen before the Sanhedrin using false accusations and trumped up charges. (Acts 6:8-14)

·         As he defended himself, Stephen’s face took on an other-worldly glow, just as Moses’ had when he met with God on Mt. Sinai.  Stephen preached an incredibly all encompassing sermon reminding the Sanhedrin of God’s involvement in Israel’s history and His never ending covenant love for them that was culminated in Christ’s work on the cross.  He tried to tie the rich traditions of the forefathers to Jesus. (Acts 6:15-7:45)

·         David wanted to build a house for God, but God told him “NO” because of His sins, so Solomon, David’s son built the Temple.  But building a house to contain God is impossible!  (Acts 7:44-50).

·         Stephen ended his sermon with an indictment of the Sanhedrin’s treatment and rejection of Christ.  When Stephen described his vision of Jesus at God’s right hand, infuriated council members dragged him out and stoned him for blasphemy.  As Stephen died, he as the Lord to forgive them.  (Acts 7:51-60)

·         The day Stephen was murdered; Saul launched a crusade to destroy the church. Men and women were jailed for the crime of following Jesus. (Acts 8:1-3)

 ·       Molech- Pagan god whose worship involved child sacrifice.

·         Remphan- Babylonian god of the planet Saturn used to symbolize Israelite apostasy

·         Saul- pre-conversion name of Apostle Paul, a Jewish Roman citizen from Tarsus from the tribe of Benjamin, "a Pharisee & the son of a Pharisee. Paul studied in Jerusalem with Rabbi Gamaliel.

·         Jacob- Later renamed by God: Israel. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, the grandson of  Abraham & Sarah  and the younger twin brother of Esau. He had twelve sons and at least one daughter by his two wives, sisters Leah & Rachel, and by their maids, Bilhah & Zilpah. The children named in Genesis were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin as well as daughter Dinah.  These 12 brothers became the original 12 tribes of Israel.

June 10, 2012 - The Apostles of the Church

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 3:1 - 5:42 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Holly Lundberg.

Light Construction Skills Wanted

Why should we go on mission trips? The obvious reason is that it is the Great Commission directly from Jesus. But, wouldn't our money be better spent sending it to a missionary already serving. I mean really, what skills do I possess that would actually be helpful to anyone? Better yet, what skills do my children possess that God can use on a mission trip!

Last week Bryant had only just recently come back from a mission trip to South Asia and he reminded me why we should go on mission trips. He joked about possibly falling asleep during the service b/c of jet lag. On the contrary, I found him to be on fire! Even as he spoke about the difficulties of this particular trip like his son having to be hospitalized for severe dehydration, I could see that the trip had impacted him in a powerful way. He preached his message from Romans with even more passion than usual and he loves preaching from Romans!

Mission trips take our minds off ourselves (and mine is there a lot) and puts them on other people, other people's salvation in particular. Is there anything more important? God knows my construction skills are not great, but He can still use me. My children have less construction skills than I do but on our last trip they became friends with some of the ranch kids. These friendships I'm sure meant more to the ranch kids than any construction they could do.

I loved hearing from Bryant last week. It made me excited to go to Wear's Valley Ranch for our class trip in August. Traveling to Tennessee isn't as bad as hiking 6 miles in oppressive heat and humidity in the jungles of South Asia, but  then again he wasn't traveling with 3 children in the car.

May 20, 2012 - The Birth of the Church (1 of 2)

Lesson and class discussion of Acts 1:1 - 2:47 using John MacArthur's commentary, led by Bill Gambrell.

May 6, 2012 - The Balanced Christian Life

Lesson and class discussion over chapter 18 of Charles Ryrie's book Balancing the Christian Life, led by Holly Lundberg.

Breakfast Sunday

Breakfast Sunday!

Please bring a breakfast item to share this week for Breakfast Sunday. Bill will be finishing up Acts Chapter 2 and covering Chapter 3:1-12. 

Look forward to seeing you in SBS!

Also, check out the Tim Hawkins video on Calendar of Events.

Thanks, Mom

I know this is belated, but wanted to write this in honor of Mother's Day. For some, this day is bittersweet because your mom has already passed on and not having had this experience yet in my life, my heart goes out to you. The rest of us, like it or not, are moving swiftly into the caretaker role with our moms, some quite a bit. This is a phase that none of us are really not prepared for and it is proving to be difficult. It may be the most difficult thing we are called to do as Christians.

The relationship one has with their mom is monumental to say the least. How many times in one day does something our mother said to us, pop into our heads! Some of us had great moms, who were wonderful examples of the famed virtuous woman. More likely, we were raised by moms who, like all of us were flawed and did the best she could to raise us. She raised us completely by the seat of her pants and the Bible if we were lucky. James Dobson was not around, nor was the internet which is hard to imagine. They didn't even have Marriage and Families Pastors who offered parenting classes at church. Most of our mothers did not go to college but instead instilled in us the importance of an education. I can't think of anything more selfless.

I thank my mom for so many things, her unconditional love that can't be over stated, her sacrifice of raising me in the face of a difficult life, and for living out  her faith in Jesus Christ before me. Was she perfect? By no means. Am I perfect? By no means.  Still, I am blessed to have her in my life and thank God for her. I pray that I will honor her while I can for being the perfect mom for me.

April 29, 2012 - Must Christ be Lord to be Savior?

Lesson and class discussion over chapter 17 of Charles Ryrie's book Balancing the Christian Life, led by Bill Gambrell.