Permanency Tests

A few blogs back while writing on the GCR of the SBC, I mentioned a contrast between fads and those movements with more permanency. Which raises the question how to distinguish between the two. I’ve thought over this for the past several days and hope the following suggestions might be of benefit to help us all give our lives to those things which have the mark of permanency upon them instead of wasting precious time, energy, and resources on those things which are momentary and passing.

Just to be sure you and I are on the same page, I am referring to things within the evangelical world, not to worldliness vs. godliness. What I am suggesting here is that not every idea or program or method that comes along deserves our undivided attention and wholehearted devotion. Even though they are “good,” they may not have the trait of permanency about them. They may just be another fad that sweeps us up, builds up our hope, drains us of all our resources, and then ends up feeling more like a lot of nothing. The danger is that overtime, pursuing fad after fad will eventually cause us to lose heart in giving ourselves to anything at all! Even worse, it may endanger our faith and cause us to question if God is even working at all. We become so convinced by the reasoning of the fad’s spokesmen, the largeness of the fad’s publicity, and the seeming endorsement of the fad from reported numbers, that if we try and fail, then evidently we are to blame for its lack of success.

This is why I call us to examine everything carefully, weigh it fully, and look for signs of permanency in methods, programs, visions, etc. before you give yourself to them! Here are some qualities I believe accompany the things that will last and prove eternally profitable.

1. Is the movement, idea, method, etc. biblically grounded? Is it rooted in sound interpretation of biblical texts or is it rooted in human reasoning, extensive surveying, pragmatic philosophy, or “successful tools” mentality. Now none of those things are necessarily bad if they are a means to RIGHTLY apply biblical truth. But more times than not, someone comes across an idea or method that seems to attract attention, and then a Bible verse is attached to it somehow. In this way, we are the source of our actions and are using the Bible to justify our sale of these actions to other believers. The more excellent way is to study the Bible and allow our applications to flow from the text. In this way, our methods, ideas, etc. are grounded in transcendental truths and not come-and-go tactics. This is one reason why the GCR document caught my eye. It is grounded in biblical directives. This lends permanency to any movement.
2. Have the proponents sincerely embraced the goals, methods, ideologies, etc. that they espouse? I mean not just on the surface. I mean are there any indicators that these people really “live” these things when they are not on a platform somewhere speaking about them? Or when they are not around people watching them? Is this their way of living? Their way of conducting church, evangelism, etc.? How long have they pursued this? 10 years or 6 months? The answer to that makes a huge difference. In other words, are you following people who follow fads or are you following people who invest their entire lives in biblical truth? Is this a passing phase for them or is it a way of life?
3. Finally, is this Spirit-led or just another hunch from the gut? Every “good” idea does not have to be pursued! We must learn to be more discerning in what we pursue, when we pursue, and how we lead others to follow. It may be that this “good” idea is worthwhile, but it is just not the right timing. An example of this that I have seen over and over is young men receiving a call from God for ministry and then launching right out in the pulpit with no preparation, mentoring, education, nothing, and more time than not it spells disaster! It is not that God hasn’t called them, it is that the timing is not now but later after the much needed preparation. In the same way, these programs and methods that come along are often “good” ideas in some sense of the word, but that does not mean they MUST be pursued now or maybe even at all! What does clue us in to timing and whether or not to pursue an idea is to lean upon the Spirit for guidance. Is this idea from the Spirit or from imagination? Does this come from laboring prayer and meditation or ingenuity? Were you led here or did you come here and then invite the Spirit’s blessing? Given the overall circumstances, is this the right time or would later be a better fit?

Look for these things when new ideas come along: Biblical foundation, sincerely embraced, and the Spirit’s leading. These are all indicators that this has the mark of permanency about it. If that is the case, it is worth your precious time, energy, and resources. So go for it, but not until you know!

Book Review: The Mortification of Sin

The Mortification of Sin. By John Owen. Abridged by Richard Rushing. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2004.

I certainly can’t speak for you, my reader, but as for me, I have an ongoing battle with sins that is draining, frustrating, overwhelming, and confusing! (We probably all wrestle this way with some indwelling sin!) I need help in my battle against the flesh, and I always welcome good, sound counsel on the matter. Therefore, I found John Owen’s The Mortification of Sin one of the most insightful and meaningful tools for my personal struggles with sin. I prayed to the Lord that He would give me something in the reading of this book that would further equip me in the lifelong battle to dismantle sin in the heart. The Lord answered that prayer!

Owen prefaces his work by stating that his reasons for writing on this particular subject were (1) the difficulty most Christians have in dealing with temptations and (2) the dangerous mistakes some are making in dealing with this subject. The dangers he refers to are the many external disciplines or devices that are used in an effort to defeat indwelling sin. Owen warns that such practices are useless if divorced from the work of the Spirit, and many are unbiblical as well. Everything from asceticism to the setting of goals is vain if pursued apart from the Spirit! There is no doubt that Owen’s work is relevant today because contemporary Christians are still prone to fall into one of the above categories (reasons).

Owen’s work is grounded in Romans 8:13 which says, “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” He divides this verse into 5 subsections and provides instructions and scriptures under each one. The following is his 5 headings along with some profitable quotes:

1. To whom it is directed: “You believers” “The choicest believers...should also make their business all of their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin” (p. 2)
2. The condition: “If you”
3. The means of accomplishment: “by the Spirit” “It is a work of the Spirit, and it is by Him alone that we are to experience victory. Mortification from a self-strength, carried on by ways of self-invention, to the end of a self-righteousness, is the soul and substance of all false religion in the world” (p. 3)
4. A duty: “Put to death the deeds of the body” “This whole work is done by degrees, and is to be carried on towards perfection all of our days. Thus it is the constant duty of believers to render a death blow to the deeds of the flesh, that they may not have life and strength to bring forth their destructive influence” (p. 4)
5. A Promise: “You will live” “The life promised is eternal life” (p. 4)

Owen follows this exegetical work with 9 Preparatory Directions on how to properly approach and handle sin and the necessary work of putting it to death. I have listed them below along with some helpful quotes as well:

1. Consider the symptoms that accompany a lust.
2. Get a clear and abiding sense upon your mind and conscience of the guilt, danger, and evil of the sin with which you are troubled.
3. Charge your conscience with the guilt of indwelling sin. - As long as your conscience is able to justify your failure, your soul will never vigorously attempt the mortification of sin (p. 81)
4. Seek a constant longing and thirsting to be delivered from the power of sin.
5. Consider whether the trouble that you are perplexed with is related to your particular make-up and nature.
6. Consider what occasions your sin has taken advantage of to exert itself in the past, and watch carefully at such times.
7. Rise mightily against the firs sign of sin “If you allow it one step, it will take another. It is impossible to fix boundaries for sin.” (p. 85) “If you do not in this way attack temptation, you will not win the battle. If sin gains ground in your affections so that you delight in it, your understanding will also come to think little of it.” (p. 86)
8. We need to be exercised with such meditations as will fill us at all times with self-abasement and thought os our own vileness.
9. When God stirs your heart about the guilt of your sin...be careful you do not speak peace to yourself before God speaks it. “When God speaks, there is not only truth in His words, there is healing” (p. 110) “If the Word of the Lord does good to your soul, He is the one who speaks it. If it humbles you and cleanses you, it is fulfilling the purpose for which it was given to you...” (p. 115)

The final chapter contained the most beneficial material for me personally. Owen warns throughout the whole work that if one engages in this battle in his own strength, he will utterly fail. Mortification of sin if a work that one does through the Spirit. All through the book, I kept asking Owen, “But how? How do I fight through the Spirit?” He finally answered my question!

Owen directs the reader to the work of Christ and the work of the Spirit for the biblical way, the ONLY way, to deal the death blow to sin! Here are some of his statements.

“Set your faith upon Christ for the killing of your sin. Live in the light of Christ’s great work, and you will die a conquerer... You will, through the good providence of God, live to see your lust dead at your feet.” (p. 116) “Mortification is based particularly upon the death of Christ...He died to destroy the works of the devil.” (p. 125)

“Consider the part the Holy Spirit plays in mortification...”(1) convinces the heart of sin, (2) reveals the fullness of Christ, (3) establishes the heart in expectation of relief from Christ, (4) brings the cross of Christ into our hearts with its sin-killing power, (5) is the Author and Finisher of our sanctification, and (6) supports our soul’s prayers to God.

Dear friend, never give up in your battle against your own personal struggles against your own personal sins! Eternal life is promised to those who put those deeds to death! I commend this classic Puritan volume to you as an aid in your battle, and remember, as Owen said, “Always be killing sin or it will be killing you.” (p. 5)

Why Fewer Baptisms in the SBC?

During my reading on the Great Commission Resurgence discussion in the SBC, my attention was drawn to a contributing issue that I would like to address as separate from my response to the GCR itself.

Time after time, the leaders of the SBC who signed the document stated that their reason for doing so was the decline in baptisms in Southern Baptist churches. Other reasons may have been given, but that is the ONLY reason I read in terms of why each supporter agreed with the document. The line of reasoning is: Baptisms have declined. This MUST be due to the loss of evangelistic emphasis in the pulpit and evangelism practice from church members. Therefore, we must have this Great Commission Resurgence.

Now please don’t misunderstand me, when baptisms decline, we do need to be concerned and investigate the reasons behind it. My aggravation, though, is that every time this issue is discussed, the loss of evangelism practice and zeal is ALWAYS the ONLY reason given! I am not suggesting that pastors and churches do not need constant encouragement to proclaim the Gospel. What I am suggesting is that there may in fact be another contributing factor to the decrease in baptisms - and it actually may be a good one!!!!!!!!!

Think through this with me...the GCR document itself calls for biblical methods such as regenerate church membership, responsible baptism policies, and responsible church discipline. It also presents 3 of the Commitments as “Healthy Churches” (#6), “Biblical Preaching” (#7), and “Gospel-Centeredness” (#2). I entered pastoral ministry in 2005 having already firmly embraced all of those biblical methods as convictions and began implementing them into church life. The reason why I came to the church with these things in my heart is due in part because of the training and education that I received at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Now what if there are numerous men entering the pulpits across our denomination with these biblical convictions? As a matter of fact, I know from conversations and relationships that this is indeed happening. Therefore, across the spectrum of SBC life there is a slow turning from “easy-believism” evangelism and poor church practice to sound preaching, biblical Gospel presentations, and responsible church practice. These good, sound qualities may result in a decline in professions of faith as the false professions are dwindling and genuine professions are maintained. That is a good thing, right? That is exactly what we want to pursue. I suggest, it is already being realized to a degree and that is why we see a decline in baptisms.

It may not be the ONLY factor. It may just be a contributing factor. It may be a combination of lack of evangelism in some areas and “better” evangelism in other areas! The point here is this: there are other means of measure than numbers! A decline in numbers may have positive means behind it, it does not always have to be a negative reason.

I realize I am posting this at the cost of being accused of not wanting more professions of faith followed by baptisms. I can hear it now, “He must be a Hyper-Calvinist!” That couldn’t farther from the truth. I and many other younger pastors do want more professions of faith - but we want GENUINE professions of faith based on BIBLICAL presentations of the Gospel!!!! That may mean a fewer number, but isn’t a “regenerate” church membership one of our distinctives? What if fewer actually did mean more? I simply mean to call on my fellow Southern Baptists to utilize more means of observation than boiling everything down to a lack of evangelism. We may actually have cause to rejoice in these lower numbers! Instead of telling pastors they must NOT be doing their jobs - we may need to be telling them, “Well done good and faithful servant!”

Oh - and just one more possibility to ponder. Unless God moves upon the heart, no genuine profession of faith will be made. More evangelism is not THE answer to produce more converts. The Spirit of God must move according to His will. Yes, we are responsible to share, and share we must (Rom 10:13-15)! But in the end, the ultimate work of evangelism is crying out to God and begging His grace and mercy upon lost souls!

The Great Commission Resurgence: My Hesitancy and Support, Part II

As stated in my previous blog, I would like to share with you why I decided to sign the document “Toward a Great Commission Resurgence” even though initially I had strong hesitations. (Those are listed on the previous blog)

All opposition to this document, that I am aware of, centered around Commitment #9. It reads, “We call upon all Southern Baptists, through our valued partnerships of SBC agencies, state conventions/institutions, and Baptist associations to evaluate our convention structures and priorities so that we can maximize our energy and resources for the health of our local churches and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. This commitment recognizes the great strength of our partnership, which has been enabled by the Cooperative Program and enhanced by a belief that we can do more together than we can separately.”

Who could argue with that? Right? But then again, we are talking about Baptists! I read a few articles of opposition from state leaders who were basically saying that the funds in their state conventions were being spent wisely and there was no need for this evaluation. Of course, that may be entirely true for those few state conventions, but why would they not want to make sure there was wise spending across all state conventions? And why complain about transparency?

The most prominent voice of opposition was raised by Morris Chapman who is the president and chief executive officer of the SBC’s Executive Committee. Chapman posted an article in Baptist Press on May 29 entitled “This One Thing I Do.” You can find it at www.bpnews.net. As I understood his position, he was basically stating that the national convention already designates the vast proportion of CP funds to home and foreign missions and the seminaries. So there is no need for this evaluation and restructuring. From his standpoint, the Convention already has these three priorities and they are reflected in the budget of the SBC.

The problem here is that the national level is only one component of SBC relations. There is also the state conventions and the Baptist associations. It may very well be true that the national convention is structured well and rightly spending CP funds. But what if the state conventions need refocus? What if the associations need to let go of some dead programs? The IMB announced the inability to maintain all of our foreign missionaries on the field. So why would we not take a look at where all the funds are going?

Chapman sums up his objections as (1) reorganizing the Convention is a separate item from the other 9 Commitments. Reorganization will not bring revival. If revival comes, so will the funds. [This is true, but wouldn’t wiser spending of resources and focusing of resources to main priorities be good stewardship, honoring to God, and preparation for revival?] (2) Article 9 will be divisive. [Change, or tough decisions, always are divisive to some degree. However, the 95% vote to appoint the Task Force hardly seems divisive. It seems like a mandate.] (3) Southern Baptists already unite around both fronts of missions and theological education. [Yes, but can we do more or be more efficient?] (4) We have not been told what is wrong with the Convention. Why call for a restructure? [Well, actually we have been told that there seems to be overlap between the 3 levels of the convention and that some agencies may be too bloated. That language was actually in the original draft but was edited out for the sake of unity. Also, Chapman himself called for a possible complete overhaul of the Convention in 2004.] (5) More gifts counted as CP dollars will not result in more money for missions. [As Tom Ascol pointed out in his reply to Chapman, the problem is not with the designation of CP funds but with “what happens to them once they leave the churches.”] You can read Ascol’s reply posted on May 31 at www.founders.org/blog.

So why did I sign? Simply put, our convention structures are there to serve local churches, therefore, they must always be open to evaluation/change/revamping/etc. The convention agencies and institutions must come under the accountability of the churches if we are to remain a convention. For this reason, and it is a major one for me, I lend my support to this call for a Great Commission Resurgence.

To be completely fair to Morris Chapman, I do believe him to be genuinely concerned for the convention and the churches. He has stated forthrightly that he would completely cooperate with any requests from the GCR Task Force and that is a very respectable and commendable stance from one who stood in opposition. I just think he had a different viewpoint on the matter.

In the end, the GCR Task Force has been appointed and are set to have their first two meetings in August. May God grant much wisdom, knowledge, guidance, transparency, and direction. May we see our convention maintain conservatism and move forward with a Great Commission Resurgence!

To God be the Glory!

The Great Commission Resurgence: My Hesitancy and Support, Part I

For those readers who may be unaware, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) voted by a large majority to appoint a “Great Commission Task Force” at its latest session this past June. The task force is to evaluate the convention model and structures and report back to the convention at next year’s meeting. The source of these events is a document entitled “Toward a Great Commission Resurgence,” which was crafted by Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Seminary, and endorsed by Dr. Johnny Hunt, current President of the SBC. A website was launched, www.greatcommissionresurgence.com, where the document can be read and adherents and supporters can sign their name. This led to much discussion and excitement. The convention turned out an increased attendance, especially among the younger generations, and the overwhelming vote for the task force was certainly an indication that this “Resurgence” is highly favorable across the convention.

I encourage the reader to visit the web address above and read the entire document. But for informational sake, the document calls for 10 Commitments from every Southern Baptist. They are commitments to (1) Christ-Lordship, (2) Gospel-centeredness, (3) the Great Commandments, (4) Biblical Inerrancy and Sufficiency, (5) Confessional Center, (6) Healthy Churches, (7) Biblical Preaching, (8) Biblically Informed Diversity, (9) More Effective Convention Structure, and (10) Christian Families.

I first heard that Southern Baptist leaders were calling for a Great Commission Resurgence in the Convention several months ago. My initial thoughts were, “Great, another bandwagon idea which will result in a lot of hoopla, tons of money spent on advertising/promotional/study materials, a number of selected conferences to rally the troops, and a continued “push” in all of these areas until finally something else comes along! That’s usually how it goes around the SBC.

I did, however, at least give the document a careful read. To my surprising pleasure, I really appreciated the direction and focus of the document. I found myself in complete agreement with all 10 Commitments. However, I still withheld my signature from the list of supporters. Here were my reasons why.

1. As alluded to above, I strongly resist fads and bandwagons. From my perspective, elements within the SBC tend to hop on the latest program or thought that comes around. That particular item gets “rode to death” and then a new fad or church model or program or evangelism strategy is introduced!It all gets tiring! And in the long run, those bandwagons seem futile, but we never seem to learn and so here we go on the next one that comes along. A prime example of this is the “Purpose Driven” craze of a few years back. This was the solution for every church, just like Willow Creek before, until we discovered a few holes and that California church models are not to be duplicated in every context! This is why I hold off on jumping into these boats that float by ever so often. You need to see how permanent they are before you hop in the big, beautiful boat only to discover that its bottom is scattered with many little holes!
2. From my observation, most of what the document calls for is already happening. Because the seminaries have become conservative, well-grounded professors have been hired, who also have a heart for the pastorate and for the church. These instructors are passing along their wisdom, experience, theology, and Bible knowledge to the students who pass through our seminaries. In turn, the pastors leaving our seminaries and entering pulpits, mission fields, and ministries are bringing with them this thoroughly biblical philosophy. As a result, 9 out of the 10 Commitments of this document are already being put to practice in the local churches! (#9 has to do with convention evaluation and restructuring) I believe this trend is exactly why at this hour such as document like this can be drafted and overwhelmingly accepted! It is not so much a call for action as it is a mirror of the younger generation of pastors who are taking biblical mandates and church life serious, and they are doing so in part because of their training. So I say to the convention in these matters, “Just keep doing what you are doing. Keep hiring conservative, Gospel-loving, Bible-believing, Church-loving professors, who will train the laborers, who will then enter the fields and implement these things through biblical conviction!”
3. Signing a “Great Commission” document is not going to make me, as a pastor, or anyone in my congregation more “Great Commission.” Either you hold to these things, or you don’t. I already dearly hold to these. The church I pastor holds to these things. And by God’s grace, we will grow in our application and appreciation of them. This work will be achieved by the teaching of the Word and the help of the Holy Spirit, not the signing of a document.
4. Is this how revivals were historically experienced? Did Jonathan Edwards and his contemporaries meet together and decide, “Hey, we need a revival. Let’s give it a name like ‘The Great Awakening’ and then ask all pastors to sign a document. Once everyone is on board, then we will see a genuine revival.” Of course, this is not what happened! Jonathan Edwards and other great ministers simply preached the Word of God with integrity, sound doctrine, and application. God chose to move in might and power and sent His Spirit. Thus a great move of God ensued that we later called “The Great Awakening.” That is why I say to the convention, “Just keep doing what you are doing in keeping the seminaries conservative and training students to love Christ, love the Word, and love the Gospel!” In God’s time, He will send a mighty move of the Spirit. We can decide what to call it later!

For these reasons, I hesitated to sign my name. They are strong reasons. They are convictions. However, I chose to sign my name to the document yesterday, and for my next blog I will share why!

In the mean time, stop by www.greatcommissionresurgence.com and read the document. Southern Baptist or not, if you believe in putting the Bible into practice, you’ll appreciate this document!

Book Review: The Love Dare

The Love Dare. By Stephen and Alex Kendrick. Nashville: B & H, 2008.

I am not much for reading practical Christian literature. I am much more prone to theology and scriptural discourses. Occasionally, I will divert to some type of history or biographical work, and even at times will entertain a work of fiction.

The reasons I chose to read Love Dare, even though it is a practical guide for marriage, were because I really enjoyed the movie that centers around the book, “Fireproof,” and I wondered if it could be a useful tool for marriage counseling. I found it to be more than a useful tool in counseling situations. I found it to be extremely useful for ME!

The Love Dare is a 40 day challenge to begin understanding and viewing marriage from the biblical perspective of true love. For each day, there is a lesson on love based on the Scripture, followed by a succinct “dare.” The dares are very practical ways in which to put the love lessons into practice with your spouse.

I enjoyed Love Dare for these reasons: (1) I found the counsel given throughout the book to be biblically based and easily applied, (2) the lessons on love were drawn straight from Scripture and adequately applied, and (3) it supplied me with some new tools to help me “Man Up” and love my wife as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her (Eph 5:25)!

Take these following quotes for example. (1) Anger is usually caused when the strong desire for something is mixed with disappointment or grief. [p.2], (2) When you look at your mate, you’re looking at part of you. So treat her well. (based on Eph 5:28) [p. 53], (3) Have you ever wondered why God gives you overwhelming insight into your spouse’s hidden faults? Do you really think it’s for endless nagging? No, it is for effective kneeling. No one knows better how to pray for your mate than you. [p. 77], and (4) Someone who knows us this intimately can either love us at depths we never imagined, or can wound us in ways we may never fully recover from. [p. 81]

In addition, the illustrations throughout are thoughtful and vivid as well. For example, on the lesson that “Love Cherishes” the writers set forth two very different scenarios. In the first case, a man realizes that an overhaul of his car is too expensive so he trades it in for a new one. In the second, another man crushes his hand and regards no price too high to alleviate the pain and restore his hand. The authors observe, “The problem within our culture is that marriage is more often treated like the first scenario.” [p. 51] Now that’s vivid truth!

Due to the brevity of each chapter, the ease of implementing the counsel, and the tools provided to pursue true love within marriage, The Love Dare is easily accessible to all audiences. I highly recommend it to everyone somehow connected to marriage, from those considering marriage to those considering divorce! Even for those who have a “not so bad” marriage! There is ALWAYS room for improvement, and as we improve according to the Bible, there will always be more joy!

So go ahead - take the dare! You will surely better your marriage: you just might save it. Read it and apply it. I dare you!

Book Review: Come and Welcome

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ. By John Bunyan. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1681. First Banner of Truth edition, 2004.

John Bunyan (1628-1688) is mostly known for his classic work Pilgrim’s Progress, which is an allegory of the Christian life. He also wrote other works including Holy War, Defense of Justification by Faith, and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, which was his spiritual biography.

Bunyan was also a lay preacher who suffered imprisonment because of his preaching ministry. During his imprisonment, he was offered freedom if he would only promise to not preach. He replied, “If I am freed today I will preach tomorrow.” He was a man of conviction, skilled in written communication even though he was barely educated, and able to sustain the biblical balance of sovereignty and responsibility, or what is otherwise known as “Evangelical Calvinism.”

Come and Welcome is an excellent demonstration of Bunyan’s balanced approach to doctrine, and his utter reliance upon Scripture. The book is a plea for sinners to come to Christ and an exhortation of faith for believers who have come to Christ. The entire work is based on John 6:37: “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Bunyan proceeds phrase by phrase through this verse with the twofold result being tearing away any stumbling block for the unbeliever and building up the assurance of the believer! All the while he strongly reinforces God’s sovereignty in salvation and man’s responsibility to come. The basic outline that Bunyan follows is: (1) “All that the Father gives me will come to me” - sovereignty, (2) “and whoever comes to me” - responsibility, and (3) “I will never cast out.” - assurance and promise! Bunyan goes much further in bringing out all of the promises and graces of this verse, but that is the general skeleton. Through scriptural examples, he clearly demonstrates that man comes to Christ only by the “gift, promise, and drawing of the Father” (p. 130), and therefore if you are coming, it is a work of God!

The obvious question then is what does it mean to come to Christ? Bunyan answers, “the true coming is from a sense of an absolute need of Jesus Christ to save . . . he leaves all, forsakes all, he hates all things that would stand in his way to hinder his coming to Jesus Christ.” (p. 30)

If you have read Grace Abounding, you know that Bunyan wrestled and struggled for some length of time, possibly a few years, with his own conversion. He labored through the Law, guilt, his own sin, and realizing the promises of the Gospel. What you encounter then in Come and Welcome is Bunyan’s assistance to others who are wrestling through the issues of faith, repentance, and the Gospel. He continually sets God’s grace and faithfulness before the reader as well as removing the various doubts that may assault one who desires to “come to Christ” or who is “coming to Christ” or who has already “come to Christ.”

It is an excellent resource for one who may have questions about what it means to become a follower of Christ. It also would be a wonderful tool for the believer to embolden faith and encourage assurance. For example, Bunyan writes, “But how much more may we behold the love that God has bestowed upon us, in that he has given us to his Son, and also given his Son for us?” (p. 22)

I highly recommend Come and Welcome to anyone desiring to know salvation and all who profess to know salvation.

Book Review: Precious Remedies

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices. By Thomas Brooks. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1652. Reprint, 2000.

“If readers of Puritan literature were set the task of listing thirty of the ‘mighties’ among Puritan preachers, the name of Thomas Brooks would certainly appear among them . . .” These are the opening words of a brief bio appearing in the opening pages of this edition of Precious Remedies. Not much is known about Brooks’ life. He was born in 1608, served as chaplain during the Civil War (1642-48), and pastored two churches in the London area.

He did know suffering during his ministry. In 1662, he was evicted from ministry into non conformity along with many other pastors. In 1665, he remained in London and ministered to those who were suffering from the Plague. In 1666, he stayed in London during and after the Great Fire which left the city in a “ruinous heap.” When others fled for these reasons, Brooks stayed his post and pastored his people. His wife, Martha, died in 1676, and Brooks followed her in 1680.

In spite of the fact that his biography is scant, his writings have made a great impact upon many believers. He wrote from a pastoral heart. His writings are filled with Scripture and pointed illustrations. He had an ability to communicate with clarity and vividness, which would capture the reader. Part of his legacy is revealed in these two examples. First, one of Spurgeon’s many works was Smooth Stones Taken from Ancient Brooks. It is a collection of writings from Brooks’ pen. Second, one named Calamy is quoted in an edition of Brooks’ works as saying of his writings, “. . . His desire to be ‘useful’ to souls, to achieve the holy success of serving Christ, to win a sparkling crown to lay at his feet, breathes and burns from first to last.”

The previous quote is an apt summation of the spirit that moves throughout Precious Remedies. In Ephesians 6:11 Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” “Schemes” in that passage are what Brooks calls “Devices” in his title. Brooks sets out to expose many of Satan’s “devices” in order to enable the believer to become alert, wise, and victorious over these tricks, plots, and lies.

Brooks is very thorough in naming all types of devices and provides with each one a list of “remedies.” These “remedies” are scriptural insights for the believer to be equipped with truth and promises to battle Satan’s ploys. Brooks lists 12 devices to draw the soul to sin, 8 devices to keep souls from holy duties, 8 devices to keep saints doubting, and 5 devices to destroy all ranks of men. Keep in mind, each device is explained and followed by several remedies to serve as weapons against these attacks. The Appendix is just as helpful and insightful as the main material. It contains 5 more devices, 7 characters of false teachers, 6 propositions concerning Satan, and 10 special helps against Satan’s devices. Just this abbreviated form of the table of contents proves how valuable a resource this is for the good soldier of Jesus Christ who is warring against the flesh, the world, and the devil!

It would be easy to provide a lengthy list of profitable quotes, but I will only retain the reader with these two. (1) “When the asp stings a man, it doth first tickle him so as it makes him laugh, till the poison little by little, gets to the heart, and then it pains him more than ever it delighted him. So doth sin.” [p. 32] (2) “Instead of wondering that so few are saved, sit down and wonder that any are saved, that any escape the snares of this cunning fowler, who spreads his nets and casts forth his baits in all places, in all cases and companies.” [p. 243]

If you are serious about fighting sin, persevering in the faith, and growing in holiness, then read this book and learn to uncover Satan’s devices against your own soul and how to stand firm against them!

If you are not concerned about these things and claim to be a believer, you MUST read this book, for you are already held sway in one of Satan’s chief devices meant for your destruction!

Myanmar Update!

Latest Student Testimonies and Praise Reports from Myanmar!!

Mr. Van Lian Chawn is the leader of Gospel Team.

Why He joins to Bible school or our mission.

During he was studied first year class, unfortunately there was a lobe rose again on his neck. Quickly his parent came and admitted him to hospital and the physicians operated him and they took his flesh and sent it to Rangon for checking to find what disease is. When the result was known by the physicians and they told him and him and his parents that bring back to home and let him not pray,let him not sing any song and give him whatever he wants and let him eats. When his classmate knew about his condition was so sorrowful and when they prayed for him, they cried with compassion.

When they brought him back at home and stayed there for two months, suddenly he came back to me and said that I could not be silent without praying,praising and singing.And he told me again that my parents warned me that if you go out of home, we would not take the responsibility for you whether you die or live.Then I said him OK good serve Him with us.And After tomorrow he went to the mountain top for fasting prayer for one week. At that time a rose lobe was not decayed or better.After one week, he came down to me and his lobe was little better.After three days passed, he went back at home for helping his parents' work as they are very old. And when he worked the work of man, the lobe which was on his neck was rose again.At that time he came back to me and told me what it was happen in his life and he decided to serve Him only and he helped us erecting the tent of Bible school at that time his lobe was decayed and he shared a testimony that when I serve Him by human strength also , I am better and now my neck lobe also get over.And when he prayed with us and cooperated with us, he is completely healed and now he is our favorite student and is team leader.

The report of Van Lian Chawn from His Gospel outreach.

1.He was separated from his friends for the Lord has some peoples in the province of Khual Hring . He reached first a small village and that some villagers have forbidden him not to preach and they warned him but he shared about how much he has had love upon them and they keep silent and he became their friend. Why most of the people like "Love"? Because love does not disturb others(Icor 13:1-13)
2.He continued his journey toward another village and he stayed at Hmun thar village. He continually preached for 3 days but during his preaching an elder of this village stood before him and threatened him that this village is mine and I am who begun this village since 1960.the villagers are my people.Stop stop your preaching. you have no permission of me and you have come to separate us.After that our beloved students responded him that you too have no authority on me why do you command me like your servant. Am I your servant.
3. After five days passed, he moved to another place which is Ti Khuang Tum village. Here at this village the Lord opened greatly the door for preaching time and he continually preached for seven days.During his preaching time there was just touching eternity from 24 peoples and they repent their sins and confessed Jesus Christ is my Saviour and they shared their testimonies with tears of joy.
See how even a man soul is precious in the word of Jesus that what will profit if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?(Mk 8:36-37)
For winning a man soul, it is impossible by any thing but by preaching the Gospel or obeying the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ as it is written faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach unless they are sent?(Romans 10:14-15)
For winning even a man soul to get abundant life from Jesus Christ, we present our whole being like a living sacrifice unto death and for to me to live is Christ.
Therefore I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.(Romans 12:1)
4.A women Dawt Hlei Zing who was bleeding for six years and she was cured by the physicians many times. when it was over the years, they sold their properties and it was finished. She was looking by her family like a dead man that when she would die.At that time our beloved Van Lian Chawn arrived there and knew about her condition was sorrowful and he immediately went to her and prayed for her and after tomorrow she is completely healed and her family too much wonder and they gave thanks and praise the Lord and she jumped and praising God with aloud voice.
5. He is our new missionary who committed his life for Christ under All Myanmar Emmanuel Mission. He was just a Buddhist and is became Christian and he continually outreach just among the Buddhist and currently a family who live at Shy Ta village believe and accepted Jesus Christ their Saviour and Lord.He is who knows to block the question of the Buddhists by the word of God as he was a man who worship Buddhists' god.

5. Pa Rual also is who committed his life for Christ unto death and w gave Emmanuel Mission Card and who is in another state and he is now suffering for daily bread and for home as he is renting. Some time the house owner rejected him to go out And then there is no his friends, no relative and no acquaintances at this big Noomon.Some time they are fasted frequently and they are still suffering but I heard that he continue to preach for winning the peoples to Christ. Please let us join with him.




To God be the glory.........................

......

Yours in His great commission,
Pr. J

And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer

You probably recognize the title as a line from one of Michael Jackson’s popular songs “Man in the Mirror,” and I thought it an accurate description of my thoughts in light of his memorial service yesterday.

There is no doubt that Jackson was a gifted and talented performer and an excellent song writer with an incredible ability to excite and inspire scores of people around the world. His record sales, sold out concerts, and televised memorial service leave this assessment without question. Evidently, he was a great friend to some, and as we learned from her tears, viewed as a great father by Paris Jackson. And multiple stories could be told of all the great and comforting gifts he poured out on ill and less fortunate children. This was the Michael Jackson that was honored yesterday.

However, I remember another Michael Jackson who lived alongside this one. This Jackson never could come to grips with who he was, thus the radical change in appearance over time. This Jackson was such a compulsive buyer that he could not stop making outlandish purchases even when he was financially troubled. This Jackson fell under piercing scrutiny from scandalous charges of abusing the very children he had befriended. When asked about the questionable events concerning his child friends, he reasoned and acted much like a child himself. Al Sharpton told Jackson’s children during the service that there was nothing strange about their father. While this was surely comforting to these children, it wasn’t a true statement. His odd behavior is exactly what earned him the nickname “Wacko Jacko.” I’m not trying to be cruel here, but I am wanting to be forthright and honest. (BTW - true comfort comes from embracing truth not making pithy, unrealistic statements!)

There were two Michael Jacksons. The one who the crowds adored in spite of and to the ignoring of his faults, and the one who never seemed at peace and content although he possessed millions of dollars and millions of fans. Both were laid to rest yesterday even though it appeared as if only the former Jackson was remembered. From the golden casket to the T-shirt sales to the packed out arena to the star-studded appearances, Jackson put on one last great performance, which brings me to my point for this blog.

It’s over now. O sure, Michael Jackson (the name) will make more money now that he is dead than he ever did while he was alive, and I’m sure Neverland will become something of the new Graceland for this generation. But Jackson’s life is over, and eternity has already stretched out before him forever and ever. While there were many references to heaven during the service and Lionel Richie sang “Jesus is Love,” Jackson’s religious background with various spiritual advisors, his lifetime of discontent, and vague references to God leave me with little comfort for his soul. Even more disheartening was Brooke Shields’ tearful belief that Jackson was looking down from up there “perched on a crescent moon.” What!?! Sadly, Michael was surrounded by people who have no idea at all what comes after this life (Heb 9:27) and what is the only means of everlasting life in the presence of God (John 14:6).

It’s over now. And as my wife said concerning the memorial service, “That’s the best that the world can do!” What she was communicating was that Hollywood can put on a big show, but it simply cannot fill the void or provide lasting, sure peace and comfort.

It’s over now. And one thing is for sure: the money, the fame, the good deeds, and the worldwide recognition all come up empty at the end of the day. They have not the means to secure eternal life nor the joys to fulfill this life! And no message could have been any clearer!