Springing the traps...

Preaching this morning on ‘Running the race God has planned for you’, I touched on the subjects of things that can spoil your race and traps that can snare you. It’s something that has been on my mind all week as I’ve been preparing to preach – those snares that David speaks of in the Psalms. It conjures up a very vivid picture of how the unsuspecting can quickly find themselves trapped, caught by the foot, and unable to move or shake free. There really are those kinds of traps around that Christians can find themselves caught in – Satan sees to it; it’s what he does.

In our culture some of those traps are pretty obvious, but that doesn’t make them any less avoidable it would seem. Take for instance the internet. Everyone knows it’s there and the danger it poses, yet it ensnares heaven knows how many with its pornographic images. Of course we don’t like to call it that, but that’s what it is.
So it is equally important that we get real, recognise the problem and help people walk free of this pernicious trap. I mentioned this morning that David the Psalmist got stuck in a great big bear trap called Bathsheba, so if this godly guy got snared, don’t let too many of us say we’re immune to her lure.

Let me then give some practical help to see some traps sprung:

Firstly, break the power of the secret; tell someone. Satan loves to keep us trapped in secrecy & shame, and away from the help, prayer & accountability of Christian friends.

Secondly, truth sets us free, so be aware what God says about the purity of sexual intimacy as he intends it, what he says about impurity, and how he wants you to walk in freedom. To help you in this, you might want to take a look at http://theresurgence.com/porn_again_christian to see some material that Mark Driscoll has written in his typically forthright and helpful way!

Thirdly, take some bold action. Getting rid of ready access to the internet isn’t such a big deal in the light of eternity & a life to be lived powerfully for God. Another idea is to sign up for some security software that keeps someone else alert to what you’re viewing. Take a look at http://x3watch.com. And don’t forget to put some good routines into your life that will fill your heart & mind with some inspiring, God-glorifying stuff on a daily basis! Philippians 4:8

The Gospel Good News is all about Jesus setting people free! Above all else he wants you and I to walk free – and when we do, he get’ all the glory!

Goff

Preaching to the heart...

I had the privilege of hearing Tim Keller this week. He was at Oak Hill Theological College speaking on the subject ‘Preaching to the Heart’, and it was well worth the journey to hear him. Tim Keller moved to New York in the late 1980’s to plant a new church for a largely non-churchgoing population. Today, Redeemer Church has grown to over 5,000 and has spawned more than a dozen other congregations. Tim Keller obviously knows something about communicating with our generation and preaching to the heart – which leads me back to what he said this week.

Basically his point was that the whole of the Bible is applicable to our lives, and in fact, unless you know how a text is to be used in your life, then you don't understand it yet. He went on to say that the Bible is basically an invitation from our covenant (promise making & keeping) God, inviting us to a life with Him. Wow – no more dry, theoretical sermons please!
A day or two later I picked up a copy of Mark Driscoll’s new book, ‘Death By Love’ which is an extraordinary collection of very real (and mainly painful) life situations that Mark has helped people through by showing them how the Gospel, what Jesus has done for us, is very applicable and totally sufficient for every situation we may face.
Written with Mark’s usual directness and wit, this is a very helpful and compelling book for anyone who ever struggled with the issues of pain and suffering, and how to resolve the difficult stuff of life as a Christian. Buy it! It will be in the King’s Book Shop at around £10. I leave you with quotes from a couple of the stories:

Hank, Jesus knew you were going to end up in the mess you are in. While hanging on the cross, Jesus prayed that your debt of sin would be forgiven, and then Jesus answered his own prayer by dying in your place for your sin……

Mary, Jesus is the only way out of the mess that is your life and marriage. Jesus relates to the disgrace, shame, and defilement that you have suffered. Jesus was betrayed by someone he loved and considered a friend…..

Goff

Tales, truth and the Trinity

I wrote a blog about The Shack several weeks ago (‘God in Three Persons’ 10th April) but feel provoked by the affirming reviews it’s getting in the Christian press, to write some more! There is something very important at stake here. Throughout the history of the Christian Church, one of the primary test of orthodoxy, that is, the way to distinguish between authentic Christian belief and error has been the Nicene Creed, and in particular, the wording concerning the Trinity. Adopted in 325 AD, it was the outcome of a hotly contended debate; Are God the Father and the Son of the same substance or similar substance? Guys such as Athanasius paid a high price, safeguarding crucial Biblical truth concerning the Godhead. Go wrong here and all the major doctrines of our faith start to unravel.

But hey, The Shack is just a story! Exactly – in fact ‘Ah sketch’ is an anagram for The Shack! But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t matter. In fact, being a story, it actually means that we need to be even more discerning. Let me explain.
A story-teller has a purpose, a journey in mind for the reader. Instead of giving facts, formulae & beliefs, a novelist uses a story line to engage the imagination & get you thinking. A good story line works on the reader’s emotions, encouraging a favourable, compelling response. In other words, a good story teller is manipulating you!

So back to The shack – anyone who reads it is immediately wrong-footed. Of course it’s a compelling story! Of course your emotions reach out to the plight of the ‘hero’! Of course you are pleased by the positive outcome! That’s what a ‘good story’ is all about! But does that make it good doctrine? Absolutely not! And there’s the danger. The author obviously wants to make you think about the Trinity, but he is taking you on a dangerous, dare I say heretical journey, because if you DO take your understanding of who God is & how the Trinity works from this book, then you are being led into heresy. Is God the Father to be compared to, and I quote: 'a big black woman with a questionable sense of humour.', called Elousia, Jesus, a young carpenter, and the Holy Spirit, a flighty Asian woman called Saraya? That’s what the author intends. No matter how well-intentioned these fictional characters might be, PLEASE don’t confuse them with the God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I’ve taken a slightly different line here, and not itemised the theological issues raised. I could talk about Arianism, Modalism & idolatry. Maybe another time. Meanwhile, if you have 8 minutes, I recommend you have a listen to what Mark Driscoll has to say about this. Check out: ‘Mark Driscoll the shack’ on Youtube.com

And if you haven’t read the book, please let me recommend a couple: For an easy read, there’s ‘Walking with God’ by John Eldridge, or one that’s excellent but a bit more stretching: ‘The Reason for God’ by Tim Keller. Both on the Bookstall – along with the new Brighton Conference CD, Salvation’s Song: price only £11.00!

Goff

Blogin' the Bronx

The sun is shining here in New York and Marcus, Steve and I have been here for a conference at which C J Mahaney, Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller (and others) were taking part. Many of us have fond memories of CJ from Stoneleigh days, and he was vintage CJ, ministering on ‘Watch you life and ministry’ from 1Timothy 4:16. Engaging as ever, CJ graphically urged all present to make sure that they have those around them who will hold them accountable and tell them when they have ‘cream cheese on their face.’ You needed to be there to fully get the picture!

It was good to get to listen to Mark Driscoll, having read a couple of his books, and yes, he was direct as ever – although I did detect a certain mellowing, and I don’t think he did a rant! He was great, bringing fresh, helpful insights under the title ‘When you open the Scripture, what questions should you ask?’ You can see why he engages so well with this generation.
In answer to a question from the floor ‘What do you do at Mars Hill Church for men’s ministry?’ he simply answered ‘Mars Hill Church’, underlining the high priority and focus that he is putting on the men in building the church. ‘Let’s get the men holding the line & then everything else, (marriages, parenting etc) starts to work.’

With the conference now over, I’m spending a couple of days with my good friend Byron Brennerman who I got to know well whilst in Beijing, whose home church is here in the Bronx. We went to look at a vacant property next to their church building and dreamed some dreams….! It’s great getting some time to talk & pray together about church here in the Bronx, out there in Beijing, and to explore what God is doing & how we can connect together, play our part, and of course, in good friendship, enjoy the journey!

Speaking of journeys, I set off Sunday evening for home…

Goff