Job's experience of God

Jerry Sittser, writing out of his own experience of profound loss, comments on Job:

Job stopped asking questions not because God was a bully but because Job finally beheld God's unfathomable greatness in his immediate experience. He had spoken about God; then he came to know God. On meeting the real God, he simply had no more questions to ask. He discovered that God is the answer to all his questions, even questions he had not thought to ask. Job learned that behind the apparent randomness of life is the existence of God, whose greatness transcended Job but did not nullify the importance of Job's choices. Job ultimately found meaning in the ineffable presence of God, which he could not fully comprehend with his intellect but could only experience in the depths of his being.

Jerry Sittser, A Grace Disguised, pp.116/7

the work is in God's hands

Matt Chandler was recently asked, How has fighting cancer changed your perspective as a leader? This was his reply:

It’s made me think a lot more about my mortality. For example, if I die and The Village Church falls apart, do I care? I’ll be honest, I don’t. When you look at history, God raises up certain men for certain seasons in certain places. He pours out his Spirit on them, and when they’re done, its very rare for God to continue the work that was done uniquely through them. If I die and The Village ends, I’m alright with that. If believers here find a place where the gospel is preached, and people are being saved, and the mission is being lived out, then I will not have failed.

Initially I put a lot of pressure on myself because in our culture there is the expectation that a ministry has to flourish even after you’re gone. That’s unfair, unhistoric, and maybe even unbiblical. Realizing that took a lot of pressure off of me. I had peace to just faithfully do what I’ve been doing here since day one, and then just let go and see what the Lord does with it.

Praying for Jesus' return

I was at a 'concert of prayer for revival' on Saturday. Many thoughts went through my mind in relation to it but one that has stuck with me is this: why don't we ever have 'a concert of prayer for the return of Jesus'?

Is it less likely to happen than revival? I guess it must be - there's only one 2nd Coming; there have been, and may yet be, many revivals. But I don't think we pray out of mathematical probabilities.

No. I wonder if our heart really is intent on the glory of God? Prayer for revival would seem to say it is, but lack of prayer for Jesus' return in glory would seem to suggest otherwise. Do persecuted Christians pray for revival or for the second advent? And if it's the latter, does the lack of prayer for it amongst the not-so-persecuted suggest a lack of empathy for suffering brothers and sisters?

I was sharing some of these thoughts with a friend and he told me of a conversation with a Brethren brother some years back, who said something to the effect that the place held in reformed theology by revival was held in brethren theology by the second coming of Jesus.

And I went away pondering where the emphasis lies in the New Testament.

Five Pioneer Missionaries

(The most helpful books - no.2)

I guess I must have read this book in about 1987/88, as a fairly young Christian. It's a collection of essays, originally written for a competition, I believe, on the lives of significant pioneer missionaries and covers David Brainerd, William C Burns, John Eliot, Henry Martyn and John G Paton.

It made a real impact on me. Here were serious men, intent on serving Jesus irrespective of cost and their focus was on people who hadn't yet heard of Jesus.

I'm sure I read it with an unhealthy dose of romanticism and unrealism, which was my fault, not the book's. But its impact on me was significant.

You can still buy it.

Are you a sentimental pastor?

Sentimentalists cannot distinguish their anxiety from their empathy. They confuse their own need to be less anxious in the face of pain with true regard for another. Thus they rescue others. They take over the life of helpless souls. Sometimes they appease others and give up their own souls. Sentimentalists cannot balance sensitivity with awareness.

Peter L. Steinke, How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems, p.58

Anxiety in the church

When anxiety is high, resilience is low. Behaviors are extreme and rigid; thoughts are unclear and disjointed. Anxious people speak harsh words or cut themselves off from others through silence. To manage their threatening situation, people hurry to localize their anxiety. They blame and criticize. Yet it is one thing for a system to be shattered by shocking events and another to be shackled by its own reactive tremors. Once a system fortifies its stability by its reactivity, it cannot get what it needs most: time and distance, calm and objectivity, clarity and imagination. It is caught in its own automatic processes. But a relationship system does not live by reaction alone but by every resource at its disposal. Therefore a system that maintains its stability by reactivity alone will not be stable in the long run. Continuous reactivity creates three processes that prevent the system from being resourceful and flexible—a shrinking of perspective, a tightening of the circle, and a shifting of the burden. Consequently it is not apt to repair itself, plan for the future, and find a new direction.

Peter L Steinke, How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations As Emotional Systems 

John Murray on the phrase 'the last days'

This implies ages of this world's history that were not the last days; they were prior, preparatory, anticipatory. The last days are characterised by two comings, notable, unprecedented, indeed astounding - the coming into the world of the Son of God and the Spirit of God. In order to accentuate the marvel of these comings we must say that God came into the world, first in the person of the Son and then in the person of the Holy Spirit. They came by radically different modes and for different functions. But both are spoken of as comings and they are both epochal events. These comings not only introduce and characterise the last days; they create or constitute them.

John Murray, The Unity of the Old and New Testaments, Collected Works Volume 1, page 23

John Murray on The Bible

Apart from the Scriptures and the knowledge derived from them, we today would be in complete darkness respecting the content of our Christian faith. We must not deceive ourselves as to the darkness and confusion that would be ours if there were no Bible. We depend upon the message of Scripture for every tenet of our faith, for every ray of redemptive light that illumines our minds, and for every ray of hope against the issues of time and eternity. Christianity for us today without the Bible is something inconceivable.

John Murray, The Infallibility of Scripture, Collected Works Volume 1, p.11

Why Sin Matters (Mark McMinn)

(The most helpful books - no.1)

I first came across Mark McMinn when I got hold of what is itself a really helpful book, Integrative Psychotherapy, co-authored with Clark Campbell. It sent me looking for author things Mark has written and Why Sin Matters is top of that list for me (but you ought to also see his more specialist work, Sin and Grace in Christian Counselling).

Why Sin Matters is neither soft on sin, nor light on grace. It affirms the terrible problem that sin is, in all the fulness of its putrid infection, and it then shows the absolute sufficiency of God's grace to overcome sin. He makes helpful use of Rembrandt's work, 'The Return of the Prodigal' and writes with a disarming honesty (itself the fruit of grace).

Every pastor - indeed, every Christian - would benefit hugely from reading this.

A Converted Imagination

What Peter announces...is a conversion of the imagination: personal reconstruction within a new web of relationships, resocialisation within the new community, and the embodiment of a new life-world evidenced in altered dispositions and attitudes.

Joel Green on 1 Peter 1:3-12 in 1 Peter (Two Horizons Commentary)

When Strong Is Wrong (Notes for Men's meeting)

When strong is wrong: why men need men

We can have an idea that, for a man, being strong means being able to cope – on our own. To be able to handle anything and everything that comes our way – and if we can’t, we’re weak and a failure. And so we never become vulnerable before others, we never admit our sin, we never seek help, we’re never truly real with anyone – we always wear a mask. And so the trouble goes on and gets deeper.

Not only is that perspective full of problems, it is also profoundly unbiblical. Paul is often seen as a loner but he had close friendships with a number of men. David and Jonathan exemplify biblical friendship (1 Samuel 20; 2 Samuel 1:26) and it may not be coincidental that David’s failures occur after the death of Jonathan (did he ever have a close friendship after Jonathan was killed?).

But perhaps the supreme example is our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only is he in the closest possible relationships in the Trinity but in his humanity he forged deep friendships with his disciples, 3 of them being particularly close. He expressed a need of their friendship, he was openly vulnerable before them and was open to being hurt by them (being betrayed by one he considered a friend).

Maybe there are reasons we draw back from deep friendships. It’s possible we have been hurt by those we thought our friends. Or we may fear our openness will be abused and our failures serve only to isolate us. Perhaps we struggle to truly acknowledge our sins before God and, hence, feel far too defensive to be open with other men.

Those who are married might say ‘But my wife is my friend...’.If she is, that’s a real blessing. But your role as her husband – as her protector – will mean there are times when you cannot share with her your vulnerability and weakness, for her own sake. And in those times, you’ll need someone else to stand alongside you.

But it isn’t just that we need friends because we’re needy. We need friends as examples and to be examples before. In friendships we not only receive but we give, we serve our brothers. It is a precious opportunity to honour our Lord Jesus by becoming like him in friendships.

Jonathan’s love for David was “more wonderful than the love of women”. That isn’t suggesting anything sinister in their relationship; it is simply highlighting the great blessing that real friendship as brothers can bring to us.

Questions for group discussion

§  What does a good friendship look and feel like?

§  What are some of the lessons we can learn from the friendship between David and Jonathan?

§  What stops us forming deep friendships? Why is it hard to do so?

§  How can we strengthen our sense of acceptance by God, so that we might feel more secure in discussing our frailties with others?

§  How can we work on developing true, lasting friendships with other men in the church?

Questions for personal reflection

§  Do I have real friendships with other Christian men?

§  Am I fearful of deep friendship? If so, why is that?

§  Have I been failed by a friend and deeply hurt by it? What is my response to that and how can the damage be repaired?

§  What practical steps can I take to develop close friendships?

§  Would it be helpful to talk over these matters with someone I trust?

Bible Study Questions - Philippians 1:27-30

Living the Gospel: The Letter to the Philippians

Study 5 – Philippians 1:27-30

Verses 27,28

1. The phrase 'conduct yourselves' means 'to live as citizens' (v.27). Where is the Christian's citizenship? Explore what that means in terms of our relationship to society. How is it supportive of society? Where is it in conflict?

2. What does Paul suggest it means to "live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"? See vv.27b,28.

3. What obstacles do we face in seeking to stand firm in one spirit? How can they be overcome?

4. What is the focal point of our 'striving together'? How do we make sure that 'the main point is the main point'?

5. What grounds are there for Christians to be unafraid of those who oppose them?

Verses 29,30

6. Is suffering on behalf of Jesus only for some Christians? In what sense can it be said to 'go with the territory'?

7. In what ways might we personally experience something akin to what Paul has in mind here? Pray for one another in those struggles.

Bible Study Questions - Philippians 1:18b-26

Living the Gospel: The Letter to the Philippians

Study 4 – Philippians 1:18b-26

Verses 18b-20

1. Paul has rejoiced in the gospel being proclaimed (v.18a) and continues to rejoice (v.18b) in the prospect of his deliverance.

What might his being delivered involve for him (v.20)?

How should his example help us when faced with difficulties and suffering?

2. What factors does Paul see as being involved in his deliverance (v.19)?

Why might he have chosen to refer to the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of Jesus Christ”?

Verses 21-26

3. How do we know Paul’s approach to his deliverance was not passive and fatalistic?

4. Paul sees life in this world as being lived for Christ, in the service of his people.

How can we make that our own approach?

What would it look like if we lived that way – our attitudes, actions and prayers?

Bible Study Questions: Philippians 1:12-18

Living the Gospel: The Letter to the Philippians

Study 3 – Philippians 1:12-18

Verses 12-14

1. How can Paul say that what has happened to him (imprisonment) has helped to advance the gospel?

2. What does that tell you about:

(a) his priorities;

(b) his view of God?

3. Can we bring Paul’s perspective into our own experience of trials? Reflect on how Romans 8:28ff also helps in this.

Verses 13-18

4. Some people have been actively trying to cause trouble for Paul. What is his attitude towards them?

5. How is that kind of attitude cultivated?

6. Paul’s joy (v.18) is rooted in Jesus being made known. Share together how we can similarly rejoice.

Bible Study Questions: Philippians 1:7-11

Living the Gospel: The Letter to the Philippians

Study 2 – Philippians 1:7-11

Verses 7,8

Paul clearly feels a deep affection for the Philippians. How do you think that came about?

In what ways can we similarly express towards one another “the affection of Christ Jesus”?

Verses 9-11

Paul tells them what he prays for in v.9. Why is it important to link “love”with “knowledge” and “depth of insight”?

Does that linkage help you to better understand what Biblical love consists in?

In verse 10, Paul explains why he prays as he does. Can you think of situations & contexts where we, too, need to be able to “discern what is best”?

If it isn’t possible to be sinless in this life, what might Paul mean by being “pure and blameless” (v.10)?

Paul writes in verse 11 of the hoped-for outcome of his prayers. Spend some time thinking together what a church that is “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” looks like.

What is the great motivation in v.11 towards holy living?

Bible Study Questions: Philippians 1:1-6

Study 1 – Philippians 1:1-6

Verses 1,2

1. How would you describe your relationship with the Lord? What words come to mind?

2. Paul here describes himself and Timothy as 'slaves' of Jesus. What does that convey to you? How would that kind of reality become visible in our own lives?

3. Paul then describes the Philippians as 'saints' (people belonging to God). His use of the word is very different to our own culture! Reflect on what it means for you to belong to Jesus.

4. The letter is also addressed, unusually, to the overseers (elders) and deacons. Why might Paul choose to highlight them in his greeting?

Verses 3-6

5. Paul's prayers for the Philippians are full of thanksgiving, even though there are issues he will need to address in their life together. How can we ensure our own prayers for our brothers and sisters are similarly thankful?

6. The joy Paul feels is, in large measure, due to their partnership in sharing the good news of Jesus, "from the first day until now". How can we encourage such joy in our life together? What will it mean for us to be partners in God's purposes of rescue and mercy?

7. Despite issues present in the church at Philippi, Paul is confident about their future. On what is his confidence based? How might such confidence impact your own daily life and your prayers for the Lord's people and work? 

how politics works

...politics are reflective, not directive. That is, the political arena is the place where policies are made that reflect the values of our culture - the habits of heart and mind - that are being shaped by...other more strategic arenas. As the Scottish politician Andrew Fletcher said, "Let me write the songs of a nation; I don't care who writes its laws."

Tullian Tchividjian, Unfashionable, loc.1115

The Gospel Of The Lordship Of Jesus

The gospel is not about self-help, it's not a product for our internal aches and our cultural emptiness; the gospel is God's summons to surrender the sovereignty over ourselves that we as sinners have seized and to give it up and to bow before Christ and to follow him on his own terms.

David Wells, from a fascinating talk at the recent Lausanne Congress.

How to Stop a Family Quarrel

You have the potential to fall-out with your nephew, who you've been caring for as your own son since his father (your brother) died. How will you sort it? Pull rank, knowing that you both accept that your age and status are way above his? Remind him of everything you've done for him, so that he feels guilty? Use your greater life experience to either bully or manipulate him?

In Genesis 13, Abram does none of those. He and Lot are living within earshot of the Canaanites and Perizzites. And his herdsmen and Lot's are beginning to fall-out over the pasture arrangements. So Abram deals pro-actively with the issue by being prepared to sacrifice for the sake of peace (he offers Lot first choice of the land - and he chooses the best).

Quarrels within the family of God - and in earshot of those not yet Christians - are a bad thing. Abram shows the way - a Christ-like way, of course - to defuse the difficulty: a willing sacrifice, for the sake of peace and for the sake of the gospel.

Reading Bibles

I mentioned in an earlier post that the new year is a good opportunity to dust-down a different Bible translation for reading through the year. I highlighted the NRSV as my Bible of choice for this year.

Well, I've decided to be ruthless and switch back to daily reading of the TNIV. Not because I have anything against the NRSV (far from it) but, because I preach from the NIV, there are benefits from using a translation that has significant overlaps.

But in addition to the TNIV, I'll often refer to other translations, most often the NASB (for its heritage), the REB (for its literary beauty) and the NET (for its notes).