A Biblical Apologetic of Evil and Existence of God

 A Biblical Apologetic of Evil and Existence of God

NEHEMIAH 9:6 You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.

ISAIAH 55:6,7 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near;

7 let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

There has to be majesty and mystery if there is a true God.

IS 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The very definition of ‘God’ means a transcendent being beyond us.

If you can understand everything about your God- maybe that is a god made in your image.

Origin of evil came as a result of real freedom in the garden.

Genesis 3:2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

The growth and pervasive nature of evil is now a product of our bondage to sin.

EPHESIANS 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

ROMANS 7:15-25 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

God is not the author of evil, but he channels it to His good purposes. The cross is the greatest example of man's intended evil and God's intended good.

GENESIS 50:19-21But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Evil still exists because of God's patience.

II PETER 3:8-12 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

The day of evil will close but also the day of mercy with it.

ACTS 17:30-31 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

Evil is goodness spoiled- you can have good without evil- you cannot have evil without good.

The existence of evil actually points to the existence of God. Bad things happen to all on this earth- it points not only to God’s existence, but the need for salvation.

LUKE 13:1-5 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Jesus endured hell for us- to turn Him away is the height of offensiveness, foolishness, and perversion.

HEBREWS 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We are limited in mind and feeble of spirit- yet accuse God of wrongdoing and injustice.

ROMANS 9:18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?

Do we want justice or mercy?

ROMANS 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

We are as blind as the bear in the bear trap analogy. We see only in part.

II CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The gospel overcomes all evil.

ROMANS 3:21-24 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Our sufferings are momentary and light....

II CORINTHIANS 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

EVIL WILL BE ABOLISHED

REVELATION 21:1-3 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

We know God exists- but we suppress the truth.

Romans 1:18-22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

The Bible does not debate the existence of God.

Psalm 14:The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds,
there is none who does good.

There are eyewitness reports of the truth of Jesus. These men died for this testimony.

I JOHN 1:1-3 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Assuming God is reasonable, but reasons alone are unsatisfactory- not because of our head... but because of our heart.

I CORINTHIANS 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

II CORINTHIANS 4:3-4 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Stop hiding from God - and experience His love and mercy.

JOHN 10:10-11 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

JOHN 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

It is life changing......

JOHN 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

The boss is in his office- you know he is there.

JOHN 20:28-29 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

JOHN 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me

You will meet Him at the right time.

JOHN 14:1-6 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

If you saw Him now as He is.... you would be rent in two.

HABAKKUK 2:14 For the earth will be filled

with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.

ZEPHANIAH 3: 17 The Lord your God is in your midst,

a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.

ROMANS 8:31-39 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Finally, I believe in God because I have experienced Him- there is nothing wrong with this defense.

JOHN 9:24-25 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

But beyond this, the arguments for God’s existence that have weighed the most helpful in my heart are:

1) The design of the fine tuned universe and existence of life. Information and design came from a designer- Life from life. Not only that order exists, but also it is discoverable. The basic equations of the universe are able to be understood and communicated. We were placed in a world of discovery and accomplishment from the hand of God.

2) The moral argument- we have a deep sense of ‘ought ness’- even if the substance or details of our moral laws vary- we judge fairness and justice according to an unseen force of moral law. There is a moral lawgiver, and we are made in His image.

3) My desires point to God. I need relationship, security, and significance. My God is the Great Thirst Quencher- I need Him!

4) The testimony of the gospel and the triumph of the church. The spread of the gospel is the greatest phenomenon in the history of the world. Men and nations have been conquered through a story of love and sacrifice. The story of creation, fall, redemption captures us in movies, literature, art, and music in ways that I know this gospel story is grounded in reality… in truth.

5) The Bible. It is too unified and uncanny in predicting, explaining, and comforting to be the words of man. This is a supernatural experience. When I want to spend time with God, I just sit down and open His word!

II TIMOTHY 3:14-16 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

HEBREWS 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!

ROMANS 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

I CORINTHIANS 2:2-5 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

II CORINTHIANS 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Going for Two and the Providence of God

Which one do you choose?

We ran into our second strong team in game two. Well coached and brimming with veteran play makers, Lexington Christian really took it to us in the first half.

We limped into our locker room down 28-6.

You have to realize the significance of this. Last year, we had a similar experience against Father Ryan. We were stuffed and stymied and I stood outside our locker room and did something very out-of-character for me. I said to our coaches, "it will be a miracle if we get back in this". We went out the 2nd half that game and gave a very lackluster performance and was pummeled.

A couple of my coaches were not happy with my lack of fight and finish, and they were right. I was their leader and showed a lot of doubt and weakness in that situation.
After that night- I vowed to never seem so hopeless ever again.

Fast forward to last night. I thought about that as I walked toward the locker room.

Now believe me when I say that a lot of times, we all give 'coach talk' that is somewhat cliche' and you wonder if it even sinks in.

I looked at our players- we were pretty roughed up. We had icebags and long faces everywhere.

I basically said that we had two choices- we could do like most people did, go out and lay down, get drummed and start over next week- OR we could decide to go out swinging with everything we had.

We chose option B-

I love the way we picked it up and played opportunistic in the 2nd half.

Two good punts flipped the field twice- two big turnovers, and a blocked punt later- we pulled it to 28-21 with about 6 minutes left.

We still struggled and had to punt, but pushed them deep with about 4 minutes to go. 3 and out... they punted and we started at midfield with 3:25 left.

We drove it down, overcoming two 4th down conversions and pushed it across the goal line with 31 seconds remaining.

Now my decision- go for 1 or 2?

I chose option B.

There are a couple of reasons I made that call, and it would not be appropriate to address it all here.

But.... the pass fell short.... game over.... 28-27.

It hurts to lose those. I mean a deeeep huurt! I spent a good part of that evening reviewing the call and the communication. There are a couple of things I definitely would have done differently- but I still would go for 2 knowing why I made that decision.

Where does God's sovereignty fit in that picture? Theologians have been debating this issue for centuries.

I do know this- when I look at my response 1 year ago vs Father Ryan and my response last evening in a similar circumstance- I know this... God is changing me. He uses the hard road and pain as a teacher. I am even better after last night because of some lessons I learned.

Finally, I am still so proud of my team. They have fought like warriors the last two weeks.

The team we lost to last week was ahead 50-0 at halftime last night against a 5A Tennessee team..

We lost to the likely A and AA Kentucky state champions the last two weeks- it's time to move into our region play and see what we have.

All I can say is... I am very confident...we will be ready.

Lock-down, Beat-down, Break-down- A Day to Remember

Our first game of the season produced an amazing day of events. We loaded our buses and were about to pull out when we received word of a police enacted 'lock-down' of our campus. There were some criminals eluding police who happened to end up in the woods next to our school.

I was on a bus with our team watching police helicopters, swat, and uniformed officers setting up a perimeter which included us.

Fortunately, they let us go. Unfortunately, everyone in our building had to stay put for almost 2 hours. I heard that our people did great in the circumstances- but it was the start of a wild day.
They caught the bad guys- I hope they get the book thrown at them.

Our next stop was at the airborne museum at Ft Campbell. It was an amazing display of heroism and tradition.

The game was a beat down, Ft Campbell is the back-to-back- AA Kentucky state champion and they played very well. We started slow, they started fast, and it was too much of a storm to overcome. Two turnovers in the 2nd half pushed the game out of reach. End game 55-26.

We ended up with 23 first downs- 377 yds of offense. But their All-American Qb Antonio Williams had 153 yds passing and 202 rushing.

Our team demonstrated courage and class- we will live to fight again. But we made too many errors and missed too may tackles to beat a team like that.

Then, of all things, the bus broke down on the way home.

Life is like that sometime... lock-down,beat-down, break-down.

What did the apostle Paul say about these things?

II Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

So in the end, I still hear Staff Sgt. Ken Weichert calling out in that great army cadence- "Are you gonna quit?"
And I hear our team say, "NEVER".

Next week we play Lexington Christian at home.

Labels

Recently, I had my Senior Apologetics class label themselves. We all hate labels, but they are a reality. In fact, 'sloganeering' is a huge aspect of postmodernism.

As I think back, I would have not written anything creative- but these students came up with some great lines!

They also wrote some very personal journals about where they are. They were so real and honest- please pray for me to never violate that sacred trust I have with them.

Also, as expected, they are all across the board in their walk with God- as we all are. Please pray also that God would sweep them up in His arms and love them through these tender days.

Here are some 'labels' written by current high school seniors:

'Christian'- was the most common

investigator, thinker, struggling, non denominational, seeker, believer and follower of Jesus Christ, Psalmist, stuck, believer with some issues, the spark in my group, dreamer, aspiring-christian, thrill-seeker, distracted, inappropriately content, frustrated, hurting, romantic, rule bender, analyzer, normal,passionate, and ready.

This should be an exciting year!

Juggling Gas-filled Water Balloons

Coaching in 2009 is an amazing process.

First, let me say again and again that I get to work in one of the top high school football jobs in the country. I have supportive parents, good facilities, committed players... etc.

However, I would be lying if I told you that day to day is easy.

Anytime you have hard charging human beings in competition.... there are dynamics that never stop flying at you. Most of my job is keeping a goal in mind and maneuvering, inspiring, correcting, compromising and evaluating a group of people through the process.

I would guess that any job involving people and relationships is this delicate and it is very similar to running a family.

So if you think about it- pray for me. I feel like I am juggling gas filled water balloons with flames all around me. Without God's mercy and help, I am doomed.

Every now and then I drop one and it doesn't break. Whew!

And now back to the show.......

It Begins.....

Yes- it is 4:12 AM.
Up thinking about a new campaign of high school football.
My 18th year as a coach and my 6th as a head coach.

No clue as how it will go.

I honestly believe though, that this is my shape. It is what my Father wants me to do.

Starting Monday, there will be at least 14 consecutive weeks of planning, practice, evaluations, adjustments, and competition. If it goes really well, it might go 5 more after that.

It is impossible to describe the ride. I have included a little journal I kept one week in a recent season that represents the inner life... what is spinning in my brain.

I get real quiet when I am away from the team during these times... but inside, my brain is in overdrive.

If you think about it, please pray for all football coaches everywhere... the madness is about to begin.

MY INNER LIFE DURING FOOTBALL SEASON
A Journal....

I wanted this AM to record what seems to be the annual recurring haunting of my mind during football season.

I think about football almost every day…year round. It’s hard not to, my life is shaped like a football. I developed an early passion for it, I have a lifetime of memories, both good and bad within my football life.

I have been coaching since 1991 and the inner experience has been almost identical each year. I spend an enormous amount of inner energy rehearsing the game in my mind. I rehearse plays, formations, motions, scenarios, injuries, per game talks, post game talks, play parent conversations, pray, anxious thoughts.

My wife points out every season how quiet I am. Inside, though, it is a screaming madness. I love my family and friends, but during the rigors of a week to week football schedule, they seem to me like I am underwater and they are on the surface calling out to me.

I wish for my brain to turn off sometimes. I find that flipping channels on TV gives me some relief. Eating gives me relief too, but it is not good for my weight or health.

About 2 weeks into the season, I get flickers in my eyelids. It is like the film I watch burns a shadow image on my eyelids. I close my eyes and still see the faint outlines of plays, wide angle, in motion.

My week starts on a Friday night- it is after the game and I am about to watch the film of the event that I have worked for all week. After a win, it is the most satisfying feeling in all the world. When we lose, I am anxious to see all the breakdowns.

I am so keyed up on a Friday night that I will usually not get to sleep before 2 AM. I lay in bed and the rehearsal goes on and on. I see it over and over. I hear it. And I start thinking about adjustments for the next game. What about our depth? Who will center if ______- gets hurt? ______ looked sad after the game. I hate that _____is hurt.

Saturday morning I am up early, I am anxious to read about our game and all the other games. I usually swap film with the next week’s team. College football only fuels my mind. I constantly look at what the innovators are doing. I like that blocking scheme for dart.

There are other things to be done, Grass cutting, kid’s activities, social appointments, girls soccer, occasional youth football game I need to attend… Saturday night, I am in meltdown. I yearn for my bed with an enormous longing. I usually crash hard, unless the game that night is really good.

Sunday morning, I actually think about the Lord… Church today, and I am excited, Worship is a release. I do catch myself thinking football plays during lulls in the service, but I am usually caught up in the reality of my sin and the grandeur of God. I thank Him over and over.

I love teaching Sunday School during football season, it forces me to keep in the Word and prayer. It is an accountability measure. I love the fellowship. When we win, I get a lot of fun conversations. When we lose, I get some encouragement- but I am also surprised how some people run from me. Maybe it is awkward for them?… not sure.

Sunday afternoon, my freest day! A nap is welcomed! I feel human again. My family is not separated by water! I eat and rest. Football is on, but the pro game does not interest my imagination- I am a passive fan. I do love the Titans, because I love Jeff Fisher and Mike Reinfeldt!


Sunday night, let me forget football…but if it is a big game, forget it. The bigger the game, the faster the haunting begins. I just hope for sleep.

Monday morning- swamped with anxiousness. I work in a frenzy- I have to get the game plan started. I have to watch the opponent. I have to draft the practice schedules. Travel? Weather? Injuries? Back-up plans? School week- and yes, I am expected to do very well as a classroom teacher....

Monday afternoon/evening:- team meeting- recap of Friday- Good/bad/ugly- watch film- teach-teach-teach- lift weights-introduced the new opponent- conditioning- kicking game- 7 on 7. Coaches meetings- go over each player- how are we doing? What are challenges? What are tweaks? How do we size up the opponent? Phone calls. A parent is not happy with me and another is thrilled.
I wrap the day up between 7 and 8PM. All the way home, my mind is scheming. I play scenarios over and over. How do they see us? What will they be thinking? What might be their plans? What do we need to rep? Monday night football helps- Bill O’Reily is an excellent distraction. He is provocative and it shuts off my brain. I close my eyes. The flicker is there. I pray. I feel so sorry for my wife, she needs more of me. But I am possessed. Lord, keep it together until the season is over. Help me take advantage of breaks and opportunities. I love my wife and children more than football. It is hard to prove that right now.

Tuesday morning- I got about 7 hours sleep unless it is a big game. If it is a big game, when I wake up- I am up. I hope is is 5:45, but sometimes it is 4:30 or 4 or sadly, sometimes 3:30. I toss and turn, pray, think, and get up.

Last time to really get opponent down- I watch the film again- who are their danger guys? Where are the weaknesses? What are the tendencies? Do they see them? How does the match ups work?

Tuesday Afternoon- BIG DAY/WORK DAY- Meetings and weights- install the plan- teach/teach/teach- Are we focused? Full pads- long, hard practice…tempo tempo- Lord, please keep us healthy-
6:30- practice ends. Usually I feel really good or bad right now. Good practice is a must! It is darker now- we are all tired. I love the laughter in the locker room- great spirit! Coaches laughing- such a great time! Thank you lord!

Tuesday night- I re-engage with the kids- so good to see them! How was the day (and I usually mean 2 days)- I look at my wife- thank you Lord for such a good woman. No words can relate the love I have for my wife of 21 years- see just can’t see it much during the haunting.

Wednesday morning- Deadlines- Scouting report finished- SS finished- playcards have to be finished, printed, laminated, distributed, I spend most of Wednesday on School and Sunday School- grading- recording- planning-

Wednesday afternoon- shorter practice- rehearsal- last reps- sometimes we review Tuesday practice tape- last weightlifting day- usually a fun practice- over at 6PM- church dinner- assistant coaches start painting the game field.

Wednesday night- I start calling the game in my head- 1st and 10- 2nd and long- 2nd and short- good runs- good passes- 1st play- kickoff or receive?- I study the weather map and forecast- big games I start to get nervous- my stomach feels queasy-

Thursday morning- I’m pumped- it’s Thursday! Thursdays are good. I rehearse the game plan. I’m getting a mental rhythm. Time to call next week’s coach and arrange a film swap. I will sometimes take a sneak peek at the next opponent.

Thursday afternoon- quick meeting- walk thru- team devotion- get them out of here ASAP- feel good- Hay’s in the barn.

Thursday evening- I like a good college game or middle school game. Hopefully I will sleep. I work hard to have no caffeine after lunch. Good family time- End of the week is here. If I lay down and fall asleep quickly- YEAH!- If I start playing the game mentally, it may be a long night. Please don’t wake up before 5:00.

Friday morning- I’m juiced! No tie day- YES!- Quick look at weather and our equipment. Were headsets plugged in? Mom’s prayer group list…DONE! Thank you for those prayers! Good to see our team in ties- I don’t feel badly at all to be in a golf shirt- LUNCH WITH BOOSTERS- fun,light- have to hurry back to class-

3:00 Coaches devotion- the most spiritually intense hour of my week. We lay it out to the Lord- a great time of fellowship- I love my coaches!

4:30 Players arrive- food arrives- I don’t want to eat, but if it is good- I do- I usually feel heavy pressure and adrenaline- I pray- I pee a hundred times from 3-7- I sometimes feel sick- The first few games I feel out of breath because I am not used to the adrenaline. Later in the year, I handle it better- pre game- I look at the other team- they look a lot better in person- I watch my team- are we focused? Smooth?

Meet with officials- I give them captains- I give them information and go through my checklist- and study their faces- is this crew going to be good to us? For some strange reason, I never feel nervous after the official’s meeting- I guess I’m fully now in the combat zone.

The locker room before the game is cool. I always pray very earnestly, Lord I can’t do this without you.

We go out and the game is always a blur. It is never predictable. Highs and lows and a roller coaster of emotional shifts in momentum. I have gotten a lot better about thinking well during the game and cutting mental mistakes down.

Nothing is more thrilling than a big win. It is the ultimate coming together of plan, work, brotherhood, and fight! Nothing wounds more than a heartbreaking loss.

After the game, I go around and hug a lot. I love seeing our players and fans happy. I see my wife and girls. They soothe me well in the losses. Thank you for being here!

And the film turns on. More flickers are burned.

When the season is over, my body totally shuts down and I get sick for about three days. A few days after that the flicker is gone and the madness is over…until next season.

QUESTIONS:
Is this serving the Lord or a convenient distraction?
Am I sacrificing my family for my obsession?
Have I misplaced priorities?
Can someone help me?
Am I just a typical idolater?

An Important Book- DKG

Just finished a three week study of John Frame's book, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God.
1987- P&R Publishing

It may be the most important theology book I have ever read.

I want to say first of all, how impressed I am with John Frame. He deserves to be ranked up there with the greatest of the great. He reminds me of Calvin in that you admire his humble heart more than his intellect. This is a man who loves and bears with people to the glory of God.

Secondly, though- I would love to see John Frame debate the so called anti-christian experts of today. Oh my goodness... it would be a slaughter! I imagine Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, or Christopher Hitchens coming out totally exposed in their psuedo-scientific rants and circular prejudices.

My favorite part of John Frame, however, is his ability to evaluate both christian and non-christian pre-suppositions in a fair light. The man is a genius in the application of philosophy and world-view. At the same time, though, he writes in a way to be understood.

Frame is not seeking to subdue the reader with his intellect- his goal is persuasion and change - and it shows.

I would give anything to see a generation of young people fall in love with thinking, articulation, reading, and persuasive defense of the faith and, more than defense,- a targeted offensive against the fruitless shield of post-modern speculation in which men continue to hide from a Holy God.

We need a new outpouring of God's Spirit- yes- but I get worried that we have missed the boat in Christian education as well. We build our structures on the cracked foundations of the enlightenment and continue to spin into philosophies of learning that add a lot of red tape and weary warriors.

I call on all christian educators to spend a few weeks in this book and see if your view of education is impacted.

I ask that we read it and ask ourselves honest questions regarding where we are letting the next generation down.

My last point... this book explains what my growing frustration has been with education in general these last 20 years. Not that we aren't doing good stuff... I just hate 'good' when 'great' is still in our grasp!

7 Lbs is Too Heavy a Load for a Man- Re-post

'this is an upload from my blog www.jayopsis.blogspot.com'

With the DVD out in mass right now, I wanted to re-visit my thoughts on the Will Smith movie.
The original post was 12/30/08

'Went to the 10 PM showing of "7 Pounds" with my oldest daughter and good friend, Ron Smith.

Stayed awake...

Came home thinking about penance, mistakes, and the problem of evil, which is a bigger problem with the absence of God.

I know, I know.... it's only a movie.

(This will contain spoilers)

When a person makes a tragic mistake, you have to keep the sovereignty of God in the picture. God can bear the weight of tragedy. We do make mistakes, but He allows them. And He controls them. He can even make our mistakes work for good (Rom 8:28)

Though we are forgiven, we still experience consequences, even major life changes- years of pain and regret.

But the message of hope in God is that we do not have to do penance. We cannot pay for our debt ourselves. We can't give marrow, and liver, and heart, and money, and eyes and undo the damage or mistakes.

And self-murder is never an answer...... a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Will Smith's character goes looking for those who deserve his gifts. He looks for 'good' people.

The gospel of grace is so much better- it says we do not have to be worthy or good to receive the gift.

In the end, the main character breaks under the weight of the regret- giving his life so that others may live. It is a noble task... one that the Bible recognizes.

"One may die for a good man"

But again the gospel is better..... "But God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"

In the end... the problem of pain exists whether we put God in the story or not. It is an easier weight to carry when He is present. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Christ has borne the load already.

Do you really believe that God can bear the weight of your mistakes?

Another empty tale, another Hollywood moment, another unnecessary sex scene..... (ever experience sitting next to your 15 year old daughter in those moments?)

We did have a good chat on the way home...

Clever movie- it had post-modern multiple layers of 7 pounds. And the number 7 is a very significant Biblical number. I also think of Shylock and the 'pound of flesh'.

I am off to bed now, thanking God for the gift of forgiveness...
and I do promise to not text and drive.

30th and Final Post on Romans

Thanks for putting up with my 'Run Through Romans'. This is in prep for a new class I will be teaching THIS FALL (thought it was going to be Spring) at CPA called Romans and Revelations. We will spend 9 weeks in the Book of Romans and 9 weeks in the Book of Revelation. The students will be reading, discussing, charting, reading commentaries, and even have some intro to New Testament Greek.

Both books have been part of about a 3 year study. I have 35 lessons on Revelation that will soon be a part of our church's website and hope to eventually provide the same for Romans.

I would love prayer as I seek to honor God in the teaching of His word at our school. The last 5 years have been amazing... the spiritual warfare involved in being an everyday Bible teacher at a Christian school is like nothing else I have ever encountered. It is a full frontal assault on both student and teacher. Please pray for me if you ever think about it.

In Romans 1-8 Paul presents the glorious picture and explanation of the good news of Christ. There is a righteousness that comes from God that swallows up our sin. This was accomplished by Christ and is received as a gift through faith. It is from Him, by Him, and through Him that we can find freedom and peace with God.

In Romans 9-11, Paul gives us his personal presentation- I almost see this as his sermons in the synagogues of Asia.

Finally, in Chapters 12-16- he presents a 'To Do' list that encompasses how Jewish and Gentile believers ought to be unified in their service and love in the church. These things are not to make us righteous, these things are in response to the gospel and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I listed these "To Do's" in the following way.

1) Lower your view of yourself...true Biblical humility. I no longer have to compare and compete. I am who I am because God knows me, made me, chose me, and loves me. I do not feel shame or condemnation. I am free! I see my strengths and my weaknesses.. it is who I am. True humility is not throwing aspersions at yourself.. it is not thinking less of yourself... it is thinking of yourself less. I can get out of my little self and start living.

2) Find my shape and use my gift. God made you good at something.. find it and use it for Him. The happiest people in the world are those who act in accordance with their heart desires to serve others to God's glory not worrying about what others think.

3) Love... I didn't cover this in full- but I Corinthians 13 is the checklist here. This is huge and one that I am still an infant in. But this includes enemies...Please pray that my love will not grow cold.

4) Submit... yuck. We think only kids and teens are rebellious. Hah! When an authority tells you to do something that you don't want to do... how do you feel? What do you do?

5) Live soberly and simply, in expectancy of Christ's return. Be moderate and careful... BTW- Today could be judgment day for us individually. We have to always be ready to meet our Maker.

6) Learn to choose in light of the 'weaker brother'- don't flaunt freedoms. I may come back to this down the road. This is huge... especially in the 'Christ-haunted' south.

7) Choose peace over criticism and condemnation. Seek unity with other believers.

8) Proclaim the gospel to all in word and deed. This was the sum of Paul's life.

9) Live joyous lives... have fun... embrace your circumstances and dance.

10) All of this together is........ WORSHIP

I can't say enough what this journey has been like. If you have never done it, I encourage you to go deep with a book in the Bible sometime. Read it several times. Pray. Begin reading good commentaries, articles, and listening to sermons on that Book.There are more good (and bad) resources on the web that ever before in history. Remember that I recommend the info at www.monergism.com. Chart it and start taking notes. Then start at the beginning and begin applying it to your life.

When you finish- you will be amazed at the growth. God's Word is that good!

As you may know football is fast approaching- between teaching and coaching my life gets super crazy. I will post as time allows, but today I am already going to start on our 7 on 7 playbook for July. Will see you down the road... Soli Deo Gloria!

"Yes Sir" is Hard- A Romans 'To Do' List

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

I don't know of any more difficult 'to do' than submission to authority. The older I get, the harder it is.

I also believe that 90% of our fragmentation and lack of unity comes from this very principle.

The principle of submission is a very interesting study. I think I could write an entire book about it and this blog will not do it justice at all.

The basic premise is this: God is the sovereign King. I owe my allegiance to Him.He is in charge of my circumstances and has put His ordained authority over me. My duty is to obey, even if I don't feel like it or agree with it. In fact, I am to obey it in such a way as to make the decision successful. I serve those in authority like I am serving the Lord.

And my grade for this principle: D- at best.

There was a time I was a little better at this- and then I became head of a household and a head coach- so I love to lead, but really hate to follow. But I also know how crucial it is in my leadership positions to have loyal followers.

A couple of stories:

I was a youth pastor 'in charge' of a trip to Colorado. It was MY trip. We had done it a few times and it was successful. Our staff wanted to do a few different things and one activity in particular was, in my opinion, just dumb. They vetoed me and went with the idea anyway. My attitude went from bad to worse as I wanted the activity to fail. I wanted to be right, more than have the event succeed. So I offered no help, even when I saw a flaw in the materials and organization of this activity.

As expected, the scheme went south and we ended up with a lot of hurt feelings. I sat with my arms crossed, halfway between gloating and the worse case of 'I told you so' I had ever had. But there were tears and frustrations- and it soon was being directed at me. And it suddenly dawned on me- I was a huge part of this failure. My selfishness caused a lot of problems. I could have helped it be better, maybe even a success- but I let my team down. Fortunately, we all forgave each other and moved on.

I was even worse towards my bosses in my early days. If my boss agreed with me, I was his best friend. But if they ever went against me, they all were morons!

Are you beginning to see the drift?

A big change in that happened as I became an assistant football coach. God began to show me that it is better to submit and work to make it work. Even if I did not agree with the decision, my responsibility became to submit and obey with a great attitude.

One time our head coach made a personnel change that all the assistants hated. We thought he was doing something very foolish. But God allowed me to work hard to make his wishes work. I took a great attitude into that situation. And that player helped us win a championship. I helped make his decision work- our head coach looked like a genius- and who cared? He was right! We won!

That one change allowed me to become one heck of an assistant football coach.

But past success does not mean future success. My default pattern is to push back and complain.

I have had, within this past year, to work on this again and have had some small victories.
This principle also involves serving, loving, and lifting up those in authority over us. Have you been nice to your boss lately? Try it- it is not sucking up- it is obeying the Lord.

By the way, this does not make me a big pile of spineless jelly.

During the decision time I fight hard for what I believe in, but if the decision goes against me- I submit according to Romans 13.

But think of all the areas this means: Driving the speed limit, fulfilling all my job duties, paying attention to God's Law- even in minor things. It means supporting our nation when the government seems to be going in a wrong direction.

Two last balancing points:
Is there a time to disobey? The answer is 'yes'- but it must be done very soberly, with counsel and prayer. The disobedience should be done 'out in the open' with explanation. And, I must be willing to accept the consequences of disobedience.

And finally, the Trinity is a picture of mutual submission. The Father/Son/ and Holy Spirit all mutually give way when the other's role become prominent. It creates that bond of unity and love.

My prayer is that we would all become less abrasive, less critical, less negative and willingly submit. Build up our leaders and pray for them.

When it is time to vote- vote. When it is time to debate- debate. But when the decisions are final- see them straight from the Lord and yield. May we become great followers to our rulers in both church and state. This pleases the Lord!

Practicing Patterns in Romans- YOUR SHAPE

Romans 12:4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:

I am in the beginning stages of applying Romans 12-16- Today is #2:

2) Find my shape and use my gift. God made you good at something.. find it and use it for Him. I will talk later about this. But the happiest people in the world are those who act in accordance with their heart desires to serve others to God's glory not worrying about what others think.

I wish who I knew who to give credit to for this acronym of "S.H.A.P.E." but it is a neat idea.

We all have a shape and it is a make-up of several things:
S- Spiritual gifts
H- Heart Desires
A- Aptitude (or ability, skill)
P- Personality
E- Experiences (especially early life experiences)

These things are our shape. It is how we are wired.

My shape happens to look like a football.

But, the bottom line is this- we all have a unique pattern, it is God given, and we need to seek out the Lord in having our shape fit into His puzzle, for His kingdom, and for His glory.

As someone who has been blessed enough to know God and know myself- I can now unreservedly push my direction into what I have been called to do. I need to let the 'pressure' come from Him. Again, not squeezed by the world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind. This is the fruit of the gospel and it leads to a beautiful life. Not easy... not without disappointments and failures, not without the need for mercy, not without the dependency on the Spirit.... but true joyous freedom in Christ.

Discover your shape (it takes some time) and start utilizing it today!

A Heart of Humility: Free to Be Me- A Romans “To Do” List

This is part of an 'unpacking' of Romans 12-16. I listed 10 things to practice in response to the glorious information in Romans 1-11. In light of God's mercies, Paul paints a picture of our response. Today is humility.

1) Lower your view of yourself... I no longer have to compare and compete. I am who I am because God knows me, made me, chose me, and loves me. I do not feel shame or condemnation. I am free! I see my strengths and my weaknesses.. it is who I am. True humility is not throwing aspersions at yourself.. it is not thinking less of yourself... it is thinking of yourself less. I can get out of my little self and start living.

Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”

“Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
(I Peter 5:5,6 NKJ italics mine)

Under the umbrella of Christian love is the pursuit of Biblical humility. It is a commitment to submit to God, and in doing so, eliminates self-promotion or selfish ambition. This attitude of humility lays a beautiful foundation for developing and fostering relationships that the world indeed marvels. A humble person is approachable, calm in stressful situations, and contributes to a positive environment.
Humility cuts across the very core of sinful human nature- pride. A proud person is hard to love and is incapable of loving anyone other than self. Biblical history is full of God’s wrath against man’s pride. We see it dealt with in individuals and nations. Pride promotes factions and dissentions along with it fueling bitterness and isolation.
What are some of the benefits of humility when modeled by followers of Christ? First, humility generates a spirit of unity and cooperation. Truly humble people seek a common good that exists outside of personal desires. When people care more about improving a situation than whether their personal agendas are being met, it creates a great sense of community and cooperation. People are more willing to volunteer and sacrifice when the Spirit has given them a heart of humility. I have observed in our school a teacher who always checks to see if our detention hall has a teacher there to monitor it. Occasionally, one of our faculty members forgets that it is their turn to monitor this hour before school. I have seen this teacher fulfill the duty willingly and never mention to the other teacher that they did this for them. Only a heart of humility allows for such a service to be made without strife or dissention. When Christians seek Biblical humility, there is enormous unity within the entire body.
Secondly, Biblical humility promotes honesty in communication. Truly humble people speak the truth in love, and listen to truth in love. When receiving admonition, a humble person remains patient and demonstrates great forbearance. I know of a faculty member who was confronted by an explosive parent. I watched with admiration as this teacher accepted the criticism in sincerity and love. This gentle spirit turned the wrath of this parent in a useful discourse of the situation. By the end of ten minutes, it was the parent who was apologizing for having incorrect information and an ungodly attitude. In the same way, humble people can show great courage to speak truth when it may not be politically expedient to do so. A humble person is not afraid of men, but has a quiet confidence in the protection of the Lord. A humble person will say what he feels is the truth, and suffer consequences in doing so. These types of people eliminate political environments that so easily enslave us.
Thirdly, Biblical humility provides a framework for forgiveness and understanding. I think this is the winning edge among Christian relationships. All successful, long term relationships depend on an understanding of Biblical forgiveness. We forgive because Christ has forgiven us. I know of a teacher who practiced Biblical forgiveness toward a man who murdered his brother, and another faculty member experienced the peace and victory of forgiving someone who killed her father. These are extreme circumstances, only accomplished by a supernatural outpouring of God’s spirit. They serve, however, as a model for us to forgive when wronged.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32)

If Christian communities practice this kind of forgiveness, supported by a heart of humility, they will see dramatic impact on the atmosphere of any church, school, or nation. This humility also allows us to understand a situation with great love and compassion.

False Humility

Part of the problem in developing a heart of humility is the deception of the flesh. The Bible warns believers to search out and eliminate false humility, which is an appearance of spirituality, but with no true inward power. Ironically, these people actually take pride in their humble appearance.

“ Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels…These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.” (Col. 2:18,23)

Biblical humility is not self-deprecation, the so-called “aw-shucks” false humility that resonates so emptily in relationships. You know that person. He is the one who can never take a compliment and always understates an achievement or accomplishment. “Aw shucks, I am so poor and lowly, and I am absolutely worthless.”
I think the Biblical model of humility is selfless. It seeks to build God and others up, but not bring yourself or your institution down. True humility is not afraid of proper, Biblical boasting. Biblical boasting is an active desire to point out the Excellencies of the Father. It is a decision to give up a right or entitlement for the glory of God and service of others. “Thank-you for that compliment, but I couldn’t do it without the Lord, isn’t He great!” or “I am so thankful to be the teacher of the year, this award deserves to be shared with all my fellow colleagues. They give me inspiration daily to pursue excellence, as unto the Lord.”
A telling sign of false humility is how one responds to questions of concern or criticism. A truly humble person is not reactionary, but patient and loving in conflict. A person of false humility cannot keep a gentle spirit in these circumstances. A person of false humility is generally negative, and leads complaints or dissentions. A person filled with false humility does not have very many deep or loving relationships.

The Great Model of Humility

Our model of course is Jesus. The glorious passage in Philippians Chapter 2 teaches us that Christ willingly let go of His rights for us. A test for this humility is found only in by searching the inner man. How do you feel when a fellow teacher gets a reward or a break? How quickly do you defend a colleague if a student or a parent is criticizing him? How often do you get upset if it seems that you are not being noticed or you have to give up a privilege? How quickly do you volunteer to help a need, knowing it may cost you some time and effort? May the Lord grant to all of us through His spirit the attitude of submission and humble service to the Lord. If we do that, we are promised His blessings and grace. He will honor the effort “in due time”.
Today, make a commitment to build others up and worry less about yourself. Ask the Lord for a heart full of true, Biblical humility. The only one that will notice is your Savior, but, in reality, He is the only one who needs to know.

Practicing Patterns- Romans 12

In Romans 12 - after recognition of our sin and shortcomings, the futility of moral righteousness, the gospel, conversion, and the gift of God's spirit - we see an amazing verse. It is a strong imperative.

²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

When a Christian is converted, there is an abrupt invasion of God's spirit into his spirit. It is many times a 'rude awakening'... a realization 'what am I doing?', 'where am I going?'.

It also presents a line of demarcation- which kingdom are you going to declare?

If US citizens have a child in another country, that child actually has dual citizenship until he is 18 years old. At 18, there has to be a declaration about his citizenship. This is a similar picture here, we are citizens in heaven but live on the earth. At some point there has to a declaration.... What is your home? Who is your king?

Now the Spirit helps to make it real clear... there is only one good choice. It isn't easy. It many times means sacrifice.God's people have a history of being pushed down, ignored, counted out, passed over, persecuted, mocked and ridiculed. The fact that I live in the US has been a great blessing because of the free environment and large number of common believers. But I feel the air changing... ever so slightly.

The key now is to use a renewed mind to produce new choices that reflect my actual citizenship.

The moment by moment choices I make everyday are creating patterns in my life. The patterns are producing my character. My brother Jerry Harwood loved to quote his coach, "Practice does not produce perfection... practice makes permanent."

I'd like to show you the world's pattern from a Biblical perspective. This is where the pressure is on... to squeeze us into a certain mold. But this pattern is seen as far as its fruit is concerned. Read what Paul says is II Tim. 3.

3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

When I get in front of my players or my students, I want them to see this as the people they do not want to be. Because of sin, though, this is our default mode.

It's in me. I love self.. I am materialistic and lust for luxury..I am proud...my arrogance just bursts out of me from time to time.... I can be verbally abusive.. I disobey authority all the time.. do I have to go on? One day just sitting in my car at a red light the realization hit me "I have violated every commandment of God" and my life wants to always get pulled in that direction.

So we have to stop... think.. and pursue a pattern that 'breaks the mold'. We repent of the direction we are going and practice righteous choices instead.

Romans 12- 16 gives us those practices. Things to do. Things to break tendencies.
The cool thing is that it is almost moment by moment and day by day. It is not a list in a notebook, it is not a sheet on the fridge.. it is living... dynamic.

"Then you will be able to test and approve.. what pleases God"

Romans To Do's:

1) Lower your view of yourself... I will cover this in more detail later. But I no longer have to compare and compete. I am who I am because God knows me, made me, chose me, and loves me. I do not feel shame or condemnation. I am free! I see my strengths and my weaknesses.. it is who I am. True humility is not throwing aspersions at yourself.. it is not thinking less of yourself... it is thinking of yourself less. I can get out of my little self and start living.

2) Find my shape and use my gift. God made you good at something.. find it and use it for Him. I will talk later about this. But the happiest people in the world are those who act in accordance with their heart desires to serve others to God's glory not worrying about what others think.

3) Love... more on this later. But this is huge and one that I am still an infant in. But this includes enemies...

4) Submit... yuck. We think only kids and teens are rebellious. Hah! When an authority tells you to do something that you don't want to do... how do you feel? What do you do?

5) Live soberly and simply, in expectancy of Christ's return. Be moderate and careful... more later.

6) Learn to choose in light of the 'weaker brother'- don't flaunt freedoms. More later...

7) Choose peace over criticism and condemnation. Seek unity with other believers.

8) Proclaim the gospel to all in word and deed.

9) Live joyous lives... have fun... embrace your circumstances and dance.

10) All of this together is........ WORSHIP

That is Romans 12-16 in a nutshell. All of it is simple... but profound. Easy... but impossible. It is a lifetime labor of love.

I will put a little more into these To Do's later... let's encourage one another to not get squeezed into the losing pattern of this world. But break the mold..... start today. It is never too late!

Symbols of Sadness and Certainty- MJ and FF

Luke 13:2 2 "And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Like everyone else I have been engaged in all of the media reporting and blogging of the sudden passing of Michael Jackson and the expected, but early exit of Farah Fawcett. A quick survey of my facebook friends shows everything from sadness to contempt.

Both of the celebrity icons were part of my life. I took down my Alabama runningback Johnny Musso black and white poster and replaced it with the full color poster of Farah. It had to symbolize some sort of rite of passage as I stared at that blonde hair, amazing white teeth, tanned skin, and that bright red swim suit.

Michael Jackson's music was in the background of my memories, but it was his stunning moonwalk on TV during "Billie Jean" that vaulted his persona in my admiration.

But like all celebrities, the glory faded fairly quickly. My poster crush faded without notice and Michael gave me one too many crotch grabs along with very bizarre behavior to give more than a passing nod.

In the end, we should see the person seperately from the iconic symbol. We pray for the person and their family. We do not celebrate their demise. But, it is appropriate to criticize the symbol. Idols fade.

What do Farah and Michael symbolize? The ultimate failure of the world's promises. Fortune, fame, power, and pleasure fill our eyes but break our hearts.

We lust for so much in this life... but are we ready for the next? What does the Scriptures say?

Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

MJ was the sadder of the two in my opinion. He and Elvis remind me of the rich young ruler. He is the bigger symbol also. It is reported that though he brings in over 19M per year, his estate is over 500M in debt! He epitimizes America in an unusual way. We spend, spend, spend thinking that reckoning day never comes.

But it always comes.

People ask me all the time about where America is in the Book of Revelation. I worry right now that it most resembles Babylon. We cry for dead celebrities while our politicians sneak 1300 page bills into a Friday vote. Most of them will approve the cap and trade bill without even reading it.

So I'm right here in it- I am as sinful and as much in need of mercy as anyone. The difference is that I know my need and I cling to the cross now. It is my only hope.

MJ met the fate we all face. He stood in front of the Creator all by himself.
The Father's main question is "What did you do with the offer of salvation through my son? Did you respect my son? Did you embrace my son?"

I get the feeling that God is really not that impressed with moonwalking.

May we allow the symbols to keep our focus fixed on eternity.

Draw the Line and the Bottom Line- Romans 12

Pick up any of my 5 or 6 Bibles (there is an issue here, just skip it) and you will see a big bold line in between Romans 11:36 and Romans 12:1.

It is there as a reminder that Paul never stopped in the realm of theology.... his real objective was always a practice that produces fruit. All of his letters follow the same formula.... great, meaty, Old Testament flavored, gospel theology followed by a GREAT 'OUN' ('therefore'). The two go together.

We live in an anti-theology age. I truly feel like a dinosaur in my peer circles because I spend time with the 'old dead guys' like Calvin, the Princetonians, and other reformed greats. But I do believe that proper theology produces the sweetest fruit.

I have some incredible christian brothers and sisters who have a better passion for God than I have and are sweet, serving people. But there are 'problems' in their theology which hinder their walk. I don't say anything unless they ask, they have God's Spirit and God's word, they are saved by grace, we will sit side by side at the marriage supper of the Lamb- indeed just writing this points to my pride and the log in my own eye- but improper views of God, man, salvation, church, last days, God's word- lead to issues in practice. God's word is treasure, and if you dig and scratch, and refine.... there is incredible benefit.

These old dead guys have not killed or weakened my faith; on the contrary, I have never been more free or alive. Their commendations and admonishments have kept my eyes open as the pattern of this world continues to squeeze and mold.

Most of the sermons I hear and the books I read of our contemporary evangelical culture are not only useless, I think in many ways they are bad. Why is the church so stagnant? Several things come to mind, but it is a generation that has lost its desire to think. We believe we can find God's heart without thinking His thoughts.

I agree with the Rev Art Azurdia here:

"We must crush the spirit of this age under our feet that says, 'I don’t want to think, I want to feel'. You may say, 'Who can understand domain of theologians?' But theological lumber is something you cannot live without. It is not a philosophical conundrum for the intellectual elite. God’s sovereignty is a soft pillow for a weary head to comfort a church under attack and Christians facing opposition, even martyrdom."

Now let me talk about this LINE.

Another serious problem is those of us who want to soak in the bathtub of thoughts, and never let them flow through the heart and produce results from the inside out.

This is where Paul is so ingenious (and give the Spirit all the credit here)- He never stops in doctrine.... there is ALWAYS application.

Romans 12:1 begins the"So what?" portion of Romans and it is packed with a lifetime of 'to do's"

In fact, if you want a "Dummies Guide to Romans" or the "Ultra-Clif Note version of Romans" let it read like this.

1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

3:21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

In those 3 short sections, we have a lifetime of love, liberty, leisure, and duty.

Now.... look at 12:1-2 again. Oh my! Do I have any doubt that I have "fallen short of the glory of God"?

See, all of Romans ... Chapter 1-11 is like a funnel that pours into 12:1-2. Thankfully, all of that great truth flows with it and praise God that the stock of the stew is His Spirit!

I will be unpacking the 2nd part of Romans over the next few blogs, but I encourage all of us to fall down before the King and praise Him. He is our daddy and He loves us. He has given us more than we ever imagined and now He has a task for us. It seems impossible.

Indeed, it is impossible without Him.

But the end result is too good to pass up... you will become a transformed person, able to test and approve God's good, pleasing, and perfect desire for your life!

Let's pray for one another to take another step in that direction.... today.

How Big is Your God?- Romans 11:33-36

The Star Betelgeuse

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

I went to a planetarium recently to see a program called "The Summer Sky". It was done in the early evening so that we could go outside afterward and see the real thing. Once the presentation was finished, we went out under the sky and went from telescope to telescope observing a lot of 'cool' things.

Because of the time of year, the constellation Orion was not visible. but under Orion's arm is a cool star called Betelgeuse that is located approximately 640 light years away from Earth.

The size of that star is twice the size of the earth's orbit around the sun!

repeat

twice the size of the earth's orbit around the sun!

Big Star!

How did God make that star? "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made"... He spoke it into existence, maybe just a whisper!

While in the planetarium, the presenter mentioned how much the telescope Hubble has muddled our knowledge... "All we know is that there is more that we don't know. We point the telescope at a cloud and find that it is another billion stars."

He then said, 'we now believe that there are as many stars as grains of sand'- and I thought of God and Abraham.

Look at this beautiful doxology again!

For from Him..... It ALL came from His knowledge
and through Him... It ALL came from His power
and to Him... it ALL belongs to Him

TO HIM BE THE GLORY (LATIN: SOLI DEO GLORIA)

Is this your view of God? Can he handle your life and all our present problems?

Imagine now having Him as your PAPA!

"The smallest package in all the world is a man wrapped up in himself" unknown

Christ As The End of the Law- (Romans 9-11)

This is a continuation of a summer study of Romans as I prepare for a new class "Romans and Revelation" to be taught in the spring of 2010. This is posted on my blog www.jayopsis.blogspot.com

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

After year’s of faithful service and perseverance, Moses blew it. In Numbers 20, God clearly told Moses to gather the people and speak to the rock and it would give water. Moses took the staff and struck the rock, frustrated and angry- but, as the water came out God’s consequences came in. “Moses, you will not enter the promise land. Joshua instead will lead the people in."

In Deuteronomy 32- Moses sings to God, the Rock, whose work is perfect and ways are just.

In Deut 34. Moses died in the land of Moab “according to the word of the Lord”. He saw the land, but he did not enter it.

It is written of Moses- “there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses”. But one sin called for consequences.

Why?
Christ was the rock (I Corinthians 10:4)- He is only struck once (the cross). We now just speak to him.

Moses represented the law. The Law does not get you through; only through Joshua (Jesus) can you enter the promise land.

If you read Romans 9-11, you get the basic point of Paul. The Jewish legal system was not a system of salvation. It was a tutor to lead us to the day of mercy and the gospel of Christ.

I think a lot about Paul’s first few days after meeting Christ. He went back through all of the Old Testament scriptures and they leapt off the page to him. Look at all the references in his letters. Just in Romans- Psalms, Jeremiah, Proverbs, Isaiah, Ezra, Ecclesiastes, Deuteronomy, Malachi, - all pointing to man’s sin, stubbornness, disobedience, the need for heart obedience, and prophecy that God will open the door to gentiles.

I imagine him being almost overwhelmed with disbelief, but then being encouraged as the gospel became clearer and more beautiful.

How is Christ the end of the Law? Is the LAW now abolished? No, it is fulfilled.

I believe there are two applications to Romans 10:4:
1) Christ represents the end of legalism as a way of salvation. He did what no man could. Through Him, we find entrance into the kingdom.
2) Christ is now our goal- we live in Him. By the way, we show love by obedience. But it is a life of love, faith, and forgiveness…. Not duty. We begin to see God’s law as good, providing peace and blessing.

In Romans 11:32 “God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all”. The holiest, strictest, religious people on the planet still fall short.

Salvation is a gift… what is keeping you from getting it? Is there anything worth missing out.

How do you get it?

Romans 10: 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

You call out to him in trust and begin to walk in Him daily.

All the glory goes to Him!

Contrary to Nature- God Gardens in Rom 11

Romans 11:17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. Any smart Gardner would never take a cultured tree and graft in a wild tree. It would make about as much sense as putting a college fight song horn on a Rolls Royce. As a gentile believer, I should never feel contempt toward my Jewish brother... and never boast. I should feel nothing but gratitude as I drink in all the good soil and nutrients of God's Word. It was the Jew who painstakingly copied the Law of God, jot by jot and tittle by tittle, day by day, year by year. It was the Jewish priest who took great care to prepare the sacrifice, exactly by the rule of God, it was the Jewish dad who prepared the passover lamb every year. I am the pauper in the palace. I am the ultimate Beverly Hillbilly. I handle holy things with no regard to my predecessors. They considered God's name too holy to even say, I use it almost flippantly. Why do I have tears as I write this? I am so incredibly thankful for what Jesus has done for me and I cry out to the God of Israel.... call Your people to Yourself. Let them see Jesus as their loving Messiah. He cries for them. Who will take the gospel to the root? Let the hardening end and the flow begin!

Paul's Presentation- Rom 9

I am in agreement with many Roman's commentators that there are three major structures in Romans.

Romans Ch 1-8 The Gospel- God's Righteousness versus Man's Righteousness
Romans 9-11- Paul's Presentation
Romans 12-16 Life in the Body- Practical Applications


I can almost hear Paul beginning right here in a Jewish synagogue on a Sabbath. He says this with great passion and tears.

When God stirs things up, it seems like chaos. The people are wondering, "What is going on?" What is this new movement of the Spirit all about? What are these strange things? How can this man, a Pharisee, turn his back on his people?

Paul anticipates all of the pushback.... Given the promises in the Old Testament, the promise of the covenant and Messiah, the chosen people of God, has God rejected his people?

I encourage you to read 9-11 without pause and hear Paul's very careful answer to those questions.

As you may know, I just finished recording 35 lessons on the Book of Revelation. These same questions pop-up there also. A significant consequence of your eschatology is your understanding of Israel's standing with God. Is Israel a physical nation or symbolic of God's spiritual people?

Paul sees the gentiles embracing the gospel by the thousands and gets nothing but persecution from the Jews. He is a Jew, he loves his people.... I see him weeping... just as I see Jesus weeping in Matthew 23:

23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

So Read Chapters 9-11 and ask some significant questions:

Has God's word failed?.....no
Are there two paths to salvation- one for Jew and one for Gentile?........no
Is all who descend physically from Israel true Israel?...........no
What did God promise in Hosea 2:23?...... read it in context and then again in RM 9:25...fascinating
Did God reject His people? How does Paul answer that?.... (I wasn't rejected, God broke my resistance)
Can the Gentiles brag now?.. No( see also Heb 2:1-3)
Why did God allow the Jewish Law to result in disobedience? (the law opened the door to grace)
What happens when the gentile election is complete? "Looks like rain"
Who is this really all about (read again 11:33-36)? SOLI DEO GLORIA

By the way... Paul's point here can really help your reading of Revelation.

If you don't like the answer 'God is God and you are not'... you may just want to stop.
But the Van Til circles say it all.

See that big circle? He is the CREATOR!
See that little circle? That is the creature (and it is not drawn to scale).
See that other circle? That world-view is in big trouble, whether religious or not.

More on this presentation later.......

Halfway Through Series on Revelation

I have been recording my Series called : Meditations on Revelation.

You can get a preview at this link: http://www.box.net/shared/0u5xugnt00

It will be available on our Church Website and I-tunes Podcasts
I hope to have it all in place by Sept/Oct.

I will keep you updated!