What is Advent?

If you're anything like me, you grew up never really hearing the term, or only hearing it in the context of a wreath or a calendar of some type around Christmas. But Advent is so much more than that; it's a time to celebrate something we most often look upon as an inconvenience: waiting. Here's Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, with a wonderful reflection on the meaning of Advent.

Prayer Alert: Yousef Nadarkhani

I don't usually post things like this, but since hearing about this story yesterday, I have felt so burdened by this brother and fellow pastor. Please join me in prayer for him. Below is an excerpt explaining his situation:

Naderkhani, who maintains he has never been a Muslim as an adult, has Islamic ancestry and therefore must recant his faith in Jesus Christ, the 11th branch of Iran's Gilan Provincial Court ruled. Iran's Supreme Court had ordered the trial court to determine whether Nadarkhani had been a Muslim prior to converting to Christianity.

The judges, according to the American Center for Law & Justice, demanded that Nadarkhani recant his Christian faith before submission of evidence. Though the judgment runs against current Iranian and international laws and is not codified in Iranian penal code, the judge stated that the court must uphold the decision of the 27th Branch of the Supreme Court in Qom.

When asked to repent, Nadarkhani stated: "Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?"

"To the religion of your ancestors, Islam," the judge replied, according to the American Center for Law & Justice.

"I cannot," Naderkhani said.

Yousef Nadarkhani is 34 years old, has a wife and two boys under the age of 10, and his only crime has been refusing to renounce Christianity for Islam. From the accounts I have read, his court appearances have been designed not to administer justice, but to pressure him to recant his faith. The most recent information I have read seems to indicate that his lawyer has been able to secure some confidence that the sentence will be overturned, but that even that "doesn't mean that Naderkhani will be set free without some additional punishment, potentially a long jail sentence or worse."

Please pray for Pastor Yousef, for his family, for his church and for all the believers in Iran. It is a very difficult place to be a Christian, and the government and legal system is heavily stacked against believers in Christ. Pray that Yousef will have confidence and strength through the working of the Holy Spirit, that he might continue to echo the words spoken by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:

"If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Sources and More Information:
CNN
Independent Catholic News
Fox News
Washington Post

Preaching

I read this in the morning, and it has stuck with me.

"Similarly, mature Christian preachers will not construct sermons whose primary purpose is to gain renown for their erudition, humor, oratorical skill or exegetical finesse. They will construct sermons that are designed to help people - to nurture them, instruct them, admonish them, rebuke them, encourage them, challenge them."
- D.A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation

It's a never-ending challenge to continue to write and preach with the ministry of the Word as the only purpose in a world that loves to exalt the gifts over the giver.

The Harvest and Our Response

Kristen and I have begun reading Charles Spurgeon's magnificent work Morning and Evening before we go to bed each night. It has already been a huge blessing to us, and I wanted to share what we read last night, as it spoke to me deeply.

- Evening -
"You crown the year with your bounty" - Psalm 65:11

All the year round, every hour of every day, God is richly blessing us; when we are asleep and when we are awaken, His mercy waits upon us. The sun may leave us a legacy of darkness, but God never ceases to shine upon His children with beams of love. Like a river, His loving-kindness is always flowing, with a fullness as inexhaustible as His own nature. Like the atmosphere that constantly surrounds the earth and is always ready to support the life of man, the kindness of God surrounds all His creatures; in it, as in their element, they live and move and have their being. Just as the sun on summer days gladdens us with warmer and brighter rays than at other times, and as rivers in certain seasons are swollen by the rain, and as the air itself is sometimes filled with fresher breezes than at other times, so is it with the mercy of God; it has its golden hours, its overflowing days, when the Lord magnifies His grace before the children of men. The joyful days of harvest are a special season of abundant favor. It is the glory of autumn that the ripe gifts of providence are then generously bestowed; it is the mellow season when we enjoy all that we had hoped for. The joy of harvest is great. The reapers are happy to fill their arms with the abundance of heaven. The psalmist tells us that the harvest is the crowning of the year. Surely these crowning mercies merit a crowning thanksgiving! Let us render it by the inward emotion of gratitude. Let our hearts be warmed; let our spirits remember, meditate, and think upon this goodness of the Lord. Then let us praise Him with our lips and honor and magnify His name who is the source of all this goodness. Let us glorify God by offering our gifts to His cause. A practical proof of our gratitude is a special thank-offering to the Lord of the harvest.

I can't wait for this...

But wait...THERE'S MORE!!

Being a Good Pastor

Reading this post was exceedingly helpful for me as I close out my first month of being a pastor. Thanks to Jared Wilson for it.

10 Simple Things Good Pastors Say

1. Please forgive me.

Better than "I'm sorry," which can often be followed with an "if" or a "but," these words indicate a humble heart. Bad pastors hide their faults behind the cloak of their authority, practice self-defense against all charges, and basically pretend. Good pastors know they're sinners and admit it.

2. You're right.

Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most "spiritual" person in the room. They are zealous to give credit and acknowledge achievement and intelligence, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it encourages and empowers others.

3. You're wrong.

Bad pastors chicken out when it comes to calling people on sin or biblical ignorance. Good pastors brave potential conflict and hurt feelings and say "You're wrong" in gentle but firm ways when necessary.

4. Jesus loves you.

Why did we stop saying this? I think because it became cliche. I'd love to see a recovery of the art of "Jesus loves you." Strategically said at times of others' admissions of failure, sin, or trouble, "Jesus loves you" is a fantastic way to speak the gospel into people's lives.

5. I love you.

I think one reason we stopped saying "Jesus loves you" to people is because we don't really love them ourselves. Might as well save the hypocrisy, eh? But good pastors lay their lives down for the sheep. Telling people you love them is a reminder to them and to you that sacrificial love is your calling.

6. Me too.

Next to "Grace is true" (see below), these might be the most important words in pastoral counseling. Bad pastors trade regularly in "Not me." In the pulpit and in the office, bad pastors set themselves apart from their congregations with tales of adventure, spirituality, and personal holiness. In the pulpit and in the office, good pastors talk of sin and trials and utter ineptitude and say, "Me too." I have seen entire countenances change when I've said some variation of "Me too."

7. Any time.

Of course you don't mean it literally. But you kinda do. Good pastors are available.

8. Thank you.

Bad pastors think they're owed. Good pastors know everything is a gift.

9. Grace is true.

I think deep down we all want to hear "You're approved" (see below), which is why we find "Grace is true" such a radical statement. You probably won't use the words, of course. But good pastors take the opportunity to glorify God by "talking up" his amazing grace every chance they get. Just 30 minutes ago, my writing of this post got interrupted by a visitor who wanted to talk about works and grace. I relished the chance to confirm his suspicion that grace is true. Bad pastors may say grace is true but the context of their teaching and the expectations in their leadership say "Your works must be this high to ride this ride." I know some of my friends hate it when "gospel" is used as a verb, but I just have to say it: Good pastors gospel their people. :-)

10. You're approved.

Everyone wants to believe they have what it takes, which is why it's such a bummer to hear the first half of the gospel and learn we really don't. Don't leave your people hanging. Be a good news pastor. Bad pastors beat their people up with their failures. Bad pastors are always disappointed. Good pastors know grace is true and Jesus is Lord, so they are ready to challenge every self-despairing soul with the wonderful truth that in Christ we are approved by God. Good pastors tell people they do have what it takes when they have Jesus' righteousness. Do you trust Jesus? You're all set, then.

It's been...

...too long since I posted last. Sorry about that. It's been a busy couple of weeks to be sure. There's plenty I could post about that (and I will) but for now, I'll let a few pictures do the talking.

Sunrise

As I write this, the sun is rising on a new day for me. Of course, every day is a new day, but what makes today so significant is that this is the last time I watch the sun rise from work. After nearly 6 years on this job, working more than 1,100 night shifts, I'll get to sleep at night again. It's only the first in many new things to come, but it feels good. It feels very good.

The Truth of Temptation

Dr. Russell Moore, dean of the School of Theology at Southern Seminary, is one of the most brilliant and articulate men I have ever met. He's also one of the most humble and loving. Below is a post from his blog Moore to the Point, adapted from his new book Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ. It spoke to me and is well worth the read.

Why You're Tempted
Monday, April 11th, 2011

I don’t know what’s wrong with you.

Maybe you tear up when you think about the words you screamed at your kids this morning. Maybe you’ve deleted the history cache of your computer this week, again, promising yourself that you’ll never access those images again. Maybe you carry that empty snack bag in your purse to throw away later, so people in your office won’t see it in the wastebasket. Maybe the prescription drugs in your desk drawer right now are the only things keeping you sane, and you fear they’re making you crazy. Maybe you just can’t stop thinking about the smell of your co-worker’s hair, or the clink of the whiskey glass at the table nearby.

Maybe what you’re tempted to do is so wild that I wouldn’t feel comfortable posting it on this page, or maybe it’s so tame that I wouldn’t even think to mention it. I don’t know. But I think I know what’s behind it all.

You’re being tempted right now, and so am I. Most of the time we don’t even know it. And, in every one of those moments, we want either to overestimate or underestimate the power of that temptation. We overestimate it by thinking something along the lines of, “I have these feelings, so therefore I’m predestined to be this kind of person.” We underestimate it by thinking something along the lines of, “I’m not tempted to do anything terrible, like adultery or murder. I’m just struggling with this small thing, say, bitterness over my infertility.”

But it’s there, and it’s wild.

Temptation is so strong in our lives because it’s not about us. Temptation is an assault by the demonic powers on the rival empire of the Messiah. That’s why conversion doesn’t diminish the power of temptation, as we often assume, but actually, counter-intuitively, ratchets it up.

If you bear the Spirit of the One the powers rage against, they will seek you out. They want to tear down the icon of the Crucified One that they see embedded in you (1 Pet. 4:14; Rev. 12:17). We’re targeted because we resemble our firstborn brother, Jesus.

We all, whether believers or not, bear some resemblance to Jesus because we share with him a human nature, the image of God. As we come to find peace with God through Jesus, though, we begin a journey of being conformed more and more into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). The demons shriek in the increasing glory of that light, and they’ll seek even more frenetically to put it out of their sights.

Aiden's Day at the Zoo

With spring upon us, Kristen and I decided that it was time to take Aiden to one of our favorite places: the zoo! We've been before, but it was definitely a whole new experience with our 6 month old son!

Here is Aiden and his beautiful Mom, ready for a day of adventure.

He seemed unimpressed by the giraffes, perhaps because he has one of his own at home!

The lions were another story, however. As we approached the enclosure, all three began roaring loudly. This seemed to worry Aiden!

At the elephant enclosure, Father and son had shared awe at the incredible elephants, then mugged for a picture.

Aiden and Mom enjoyed a walk through the bamboo forest...but he wanted to grab everything in sight!

He was a good boy, content to ride in his stroller and take in the sights and smells of the zoo.

Aiden enjoyed the gorillas and we all enjoyed an afternoon with each other.

By the time we finished, the poor guy was worn out. But it was a great day at the Louisville Zoo!

In the Immortal Words of Charlie Sheen...

Winning.

Living as the Gospel is True

A humbling and challenging word from Pastor David Platt of The Church at Brook Hills.

Do We Really Believe What We're Saying? from The Church at Brook Hills on Vimeo.

(What kind of) Love Wins?

A lot has been made over the last few weeks about the new book from Rob Bell, Love Wins. I'll be the first to say that I haven't read the book, but I've read a number of people who have, and what I hear doesn't really jive with what I see in Scripture, or in honest theological discourse. Maybe I'm way off, but it's worth reading some reviews and, as always, thinking about what you read. One of the biggest issues I hear about this book is that there are bold assertions made as fact, not supported by exegesis, theology or history (here's a discussion of one example). This, I fear, is not a good thing.

In any case, here's a very insightful review from Tim Challies. It's long, but worth reading in it's entireity...

Questions matter. They can help you to grow deeper in your knowledge of the truth and your love for God—especially when you’re dealing with the harder doctrines of the Christian faith. But questions can also be used to obscure the truth. They can be used to lead away just as easily as they can be used to lead toward. Ask Eve.

Enter Rob Bell, a man who has spent much of the last seven years asking questions in his sometimes thought-provoking and often frustrating fashion. And when he’s done asking, no matter what answers he puts forward, it seems we’re only left with more questions. This trend continues in his new book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, where Bell poses what might be his most controversial question yet:

Does a loving God really send people to hell for all eternity?

Continue Reading...

Additionally, here's an interview between Bell and MSNBC's Martin Bashir. Now, I'll be the first to concede that Bashir is pretty hard on Bell (perhaps this could be characterized as unfair) but what bothers me more is the logical incoherence in Bell's answers.

Maysville, KY

First, my apologies for slacking off on the blog. I wish I had a good excuse, but I don't. More often than not, I feel like there's not much interesting in my life, or I'm not feeling particularly profound. In any case, there is some news that I am excited to now be able to share with all of you who read the blog. Over the last month, we've taken a few trips to a quiet, beautiful town on the Ohio river.

Maysville is a town of about 9,000, located about an hour north of Lexington. It's definitely smaller than Louisville, but it has a great feel about it; the people are incredibly friendly and the town has all kinds of unique and fascinating characteristics. Kristen and I both fell in love with it the first time we saw it.

The reason we've been in Maysville so much over the last month is because of a little church on KY Route 11. Lewisburg Baptist Church has met in the same spot, in the same building since 1843. The church has a rich and faithful history and is probably one of the most loving and welcoming families either of us has ever met. Our first visit was just that, a visit to spend time in a service and chat with the search committee chair about their opening for a pastor.

But last week, we drove back with a much more focused purpose: I preached in view of a call. We spent a packed day and a half with the search committee, the deacons and a number of the members of the church. Over coffee, sitting at Frisch's and across a committee table, Kristen and I saw over and over the faithfulness of God. We saw it in the members of Lewisburg as they sought not to find the man that they wanted, but the man that God wanted to lead their church. We saw it in their joking and laughter and in their serious concern for the Gospel's forwarding in Mason County. And we saw it in ourselves, as the Lord confirmed over and over again that our waiting for a church had not been a fool's errand, but instead it had been preparation for something incredible.

That was Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th. But we had to wait until this week for the official vote from the congregation on whether to call us. Last night at 8pm, the call that we have been hoping and trusting the Lord for since November of 2009 came. Lewisburg Baptist Church formally called me to be their pastor. We are thrilled at the prospect of what the Lord will do through us as we move into this new stage in our lives. There will certainly be a lot more updates over the next days and weeks, but for now, we ask you to pray. Please pray for all the details (including Kristen finding a good, part-time job) and for all that will go into this transition. And pray for both of us as we step into this awesome responsibility, that we will be faithful to allow his strength to be manifest through us that we and all the people of Lewisburg Baptist Church, might grow in godliness and be agents for the Gospel in Maysville and all of Mason County.

Life and likesuchas...

I haven't posted in a while because I'm going through one of those periods where I feel like there's nothing to post. Inspirational thought has left me for the time being, and there's no real news to report. Right now, it feels like we're somewhere in here:

We're just waiting, waiting, waiting. Something might be coming soon, but for now, we're still just standing in line.

Shut Down all the Garbage Mashers!

You know that scene in Star Wars: A New Hope when Luke and Han Solo have just rescued Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader? In their haste to escape, they find themselves in a giant trash compactor, filled with all manner of filth and some sort of one-eyed, tentacled thing that wants to eat them. Just as Han defeats it with a shot from his blaster, the walls begin to close in.

"SHUT DOWN ALL THE GARBAGE MASHERS ON THE DETENTION LEVEL!" Luke screams to C-3PO and R2-D2. Just as their fate seems sealed, R2 comes through in the clutch and our heroes live to fight the Empire another day.

Someone asked me recently how my life has been going, and I responded that I feel just like Luke Skywalker must have in that moment. The walls seem to be closing in on all fronts, and right now it seems like there is nowhere to go. We were talking the other day about our little boy, now four plus months old; he'll be crawling soon and walking before we know it (he seems to want to now!) and there's no room for it. We can't baby-proof anything...there's nowhere in our apartment for it. We only sleep in bed together one night a week, and when we do have a day together, one of us is exhausted from working the night before.

We could move to a larger apartment, but that would cost more money that we don't have, and would mean that we would have to commit to a year-long lease. One of us could look for a new job, but that would mean new insurance and some of the jobs I have looked at require commitment to hang around, at least for a little while. We've maintained an uncomfortable flexibility for a while now in the hope we would soon be moving, but nothing has yet materialized. Now we're faced with a decision...should we make some commitments (maybe a new job and a new lease) to stay here? Or should we hold tight, hoping that an opportunity with a church comes through soon?

I don't know, but I know that the Lord is faithful, and that at some point, the walls will stop closing in. I just wish I knew when that will be...

It's Official

I feel old. I know I'm not old, but I feel like it. More on this later.