Gentle Rebukes

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend . . ." so says the book of wisdom. True of course, because it's in the Word -- and experientially true and a bit stinging as well. I know because I was on the stinging end of a rebuke by my buddy Willio who rebuked me for not keeping up with this blog. I first thought, "Nobody reads this thing anyways, so I can take a break if I want." As I expressed that to him, my young protege suggested to me that maybe if I were a bit more "provocative" then more folk might read and respond. Ouch! And did I mention he is "younger." So much for respect for one's elders. Anyways, having licked my "wounds" I am now committed again to picking up my pen and getting after it.

As for the provocative part, I'm not sure how that's going to play out. I'm a lot of things, but "provocative" may not be one of them. I will however do my best to write interestingly and helpfully with the aim of challenging all who read to be biblically-based in their thinking and Christ-centered in their faith. So, I sign off for now thankful for my time off, excited about being back, and happy that I have a friend who loves me enough to rebuke me!

Together for the Gospel 08

Conferences can be good or bad. State the obvious, why don’t I? At any rate, I’ve been to a few that weren’t edifying for a whole host of reasons. But I’ve been to many that have been rich beyond measure. This past week the Together for The Gospel conference was rich beyond measure. Everything from the preaching to the singing to the fellowship made for a very spiritually enriching time. And to make it even better I was able to enjoy it all with my wife Sherry and my two dear friends Dave and Cheryl. What more could a brother ask for?

But you know, God has a way of going above and beyond all we can think of and or ask, right? And this conference was no exception. You see, I expected to enjoy the preaching. How could I not with the likes of MacArthur, Sproul, Piper, and the other gifted men. I expected to be blessed by the singing. How could I not as I joined my voice with 5,500 other passionate pastors and church leaders singing God’s praise. And of course I expected to enjoy time with my wife away from the privileged demands of ministry and parenthood. How could I not – she’s the greatest wife on the planet. And I haven’t even mentioned the free books! O’ yes, many, many free books. But with all that God still went beyond my expectations.

In His kind providences, I ran in to several of my friends from my seminary days at TMS. It was special to see these guys again, but to my joyful benefit each of my old friends ministered to my wife and me in ways that I can hardly express. It was as if God Himself deliberately appointed a meeting with these men who each had a timely word for us. What do I mean “as if”; of course it was God’s doing! He spoke to us through them. He spoke to us about ministry, marriage, parenting, and the need to stay the course. And all I was left with was to ask myself and God the question, “Who am I that I should have friends such as Justin Erickson, David Fry, Art Georges, Ray Mehringer, and John Richards?” These men served, cared for, and encouraged my soul far beyond what I expected and even further beyond what I deserve.

Yea, some conferences are really good. The T4G 08 will go down as probably the best ever. Thank you brothers for being my friend. Thank you brothers for being Together for the Gospel!

Secret Sex Wars

It is my humble honor to introduce the forthcoming book entitled, "Secret Sex Wars: A Battle Cry for Purity" edited by Robert S. Scott, Sr. This book is a labor of love written by a number of African American pastors, including yours truly, aimed at equipping African American Christian men for the waging battle for sexual purity.

I think we would all agree that there is a fierce battle in our culture today. The forces of libertine liberationists who are seeking to dominate culture with immorality and sexual decadence are on the attack against those of us who are committed to the high standard of God's truth and righteousness. The contributors of this book exposit God's word with care and precision yielding practical instructions and principles which will arm Christian brothers with the weapons needed to walk in and enjoy the victory that is ours in Jesus Christ.

Every Christian brother needs to get a copy of this book for himself and for a friend. The release date is May 1st, but you can pre-order a copy now at http://www.secretsexwars.com/. Order your copy now, and pray that the Lord will give this book a wide readership for His honor and glory.

A Hard Pill to Swallow (Titus 2:9-10)

There are rare occasions when I study the Bible and I find myself wanting the text to say something different than what it clearly says. This past week was one of those occasions. I was studying Titus 2:9-10 – a text that I’ve looked at before and it said what it’s always said, “Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything . . .” Now, I’m not quite sure why this time was so different, but the reality of Paul’s command for slaves to willingly submit themselves to their masters landed on me with great force; actually with great sadness. I suppose I was sad because I spent some time thinking about the evil brutality of slavery throughout history, especially American history which is close to home for me. And as I did that, Paul’s words just didn’t seem right—that is until I reminded myself of God’s Modus Operandi in Redemptive history.

You see, my unmortified inclination was to hold God to my standard of thinking, which honestly would have dictated the abolition of slavery by Divine decree. Meaning, Christians could have rebelled and fought to achieve their goal, and certainly that’s what it would have taken in order for me to have gotten my way. But I’m a fool, and God is wise. He is in the business of transforming hearts first, which in turn may or may not transform societies. So, in His infinite wisdom, He chose to deal with slavery contrary to human wisdom by calling on Christian slaves to adorn themselves with the gospel of Christ by humbly submitting to their masters, even if they were perverted (cf. 1 Pet. 2:18-20). And that’s the key! God puts His glorious transforming grace on display in and through the lives of His people, and most amazingly through those who find themselves in the midst of horrible circumstances; in this case, slavery.

Yea, I know it leaves many questions unanswered. But when has God ever obligated Himself to answer all of our questions? We do know this though; He is good and He is wise. And if history teaches us anything, it certainly instructs us that the great evils of our times including slavery have in fact been confronted by those who have been transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. And I have a sneaky suspicion, that when I get to heaven, I’m going to meet a whole lot of redeemed slave masters who came to saving faith in Christ through the inexplicable testimony of a humble slave who didn’t rebel, but through submission adorned the doctrine of God our Savior to the praise of His grace.

The Glory of Easter

The more I gather with God’s people on the Lord’s Day the more I long for heaven. And the more I long for heaven the more I lose interest in the mundane things of this world. This fact was reinforced in my soul with great power on yesterday as I had the privilege to lead God’s people in worship on Resurrection Sunday.

With all the ancillary activities associated with the Day, as we sang songs that reminded us of the reality that Jesus is alive and that He reigns, for a brief moment which felt endless, everything other than the glory of God faded from my heart’s attention. I was there. You know; that place. The place that is almost indescribably vivid to the soul – the place where the presence of God is so real and heavy that you rejoice with trembling because you’re acutely aware of the Divine.

That’s where I was yesterday. Jesus Christ had risen afresh in my heart, and I was awestruck with His loveliness, beauty, and humility. And as I preached from Mark’s gospel meditating on all that Jesus endured for unworthy sinners my heart pounded from a mixture of sorrow & happiness – sorrow because of His sufferings and happiness because of His submission. O’ that He voluntarily submitted to betrayal, denial, beatings, mocking, rejection, accusations, abandonment, condemnation, crucifixion, and forsakenness – and all for Me, the most unworthy sinner of all. My heart was overwhelmed with pure love and admiration for my God and King.

Yes, it was a great day. Jesus is risen; He is risen indeed! I only fear that the glory is fading from my face having beheld Him in His word, and now fighting back the encroaching cares of this fleeting age, I so want to remain in that place. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus, and may it be soon.

They're Listening with their Eyes (Titus 2:7-8)

Some really bright fellow once said, "Your talk talks and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks." Now that's a mouth full. But, O' is it accurate. Yea, what we say and how we live both speak, but more often than not, how we live speaks a lot louder than what we say. And because of this, people often listen to us with their eyes.

This is why our example is so important; especially for those of us who have spiritual influence on others. For there's probably no quicker way to destroy our ability to effectively persuade people of the spiritual truths of God's word than to live a life of hypocrisy. In other words, failing to live in accordance with sound doctrine short-circuts our ability to reinforce the truthfulness of that doctrine. And so, Paul charges Titus to, "show himself to be an example" -- a charge that must be heeded by us all; especially we Pastors.

Speaking directly to preachers, Dean Shriver in his marvelous book entitled, "Nobody's Perfect, But You Have to Be," says,

"Each Sunday our congregations hear the sermons we preach. The rest of the week they see the sermon we live. If these two sermons don't coincide, it's doubtful the people we minister to will really listen when we preach. More doubtful still is that God will use our preaching to radically transform their lives."

His statement is certainly strong , but I believe he's right. In writing to his other protege in the faith, Paul said, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your doctrine . . . . for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:16). The point is clear! Our example is instrumental to our effectiveness in ministry and life.

So, how is your example? Can people hear you with their eyes? What exactly is your life communicating about your doctrine? May it be that as Christians we not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk.

Home Is Where The Heart Is? (Titus 2:4-5)

How often have you heard the quaint little idiom, “Home is where the heart is?” It sounds so good—so right. But is it? If it means that if you are with the person or at the place you love most, it becomes your true home then I think not, especially in light of my recent studies in Titus 2, verses 4-5. Here, the practicality of the gospel is being fleshed out in the instructions directed toward the domestic duties of young married mothers. These young Christian mothers are to be given to the “home” as defined by God, not by where the heart is, so that “the word of God will not be dishonored” (v. 5). Learning from the older women, the younger women of the Christian community are to give their energies and focus to family and home life.

The delightful poignancy of this passage is in its directness and clarity with which it weaves virtue and duty together. A young woman is to grow in the virtues of discretion, purity, and kindness so that she might grow in her love for her husband and children, and grow in her management and care for the home. Her heart of grace leads to a home of grace, which in turn promotes orderliness and gospel attractiveness as God’s prescription for the home is put on display.

No, my friend, for a Christian woman home is not where the heart is. The truth is that her home is where her husband and children are; and her calling is to give her heart to where her home is! Her home doesn't follow her heart, but her heart is to follow her home. And as it does, she will find the joyful satisfaction of being God’s instrument through which His sanctifying grace flows to her husband and children who will be blessed to have her as a “worker at home.” For every young woman who embraces this high calling, may your husband praise you in the gates and may your children rise up and bless you.

“Many daughters have done nobly.
But you excel them all.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”