Far above all else I must be saved

We’ve all probably heard the words and sung them at the end of some heart searching sermon:

Far above all else I must be saved

Far above all else I must be saved

Lord whatever you have to do in me

Don’t let me be lost for eternity

Far above all else I must be saved

To some people these may just be words maybe even just the right ones to momentarily free them of the haunting effects of a guilty conscience. I must admit that I many times have subconsciously ridden this wagon, singing the song and not really grasping the depth of the words I sang.

Recently while singing this very song, I think I got a glimpse into what I was really singing. From then till now, I don’t think it is possible to casually sing the lyrics anymore because they give no casual message.

That line “Above all else I must be saved” MUST be the Christian’s motto. Was it not Jesus who said “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”? (Luke 10:18b-20 ESV) These words leave me in the placed where I’m forced to see that the only thing that really matters in the end is that I’m saved and the only thing worth rejoicing over is the fact that is worth rejoicing over is that very fact.

I may be wrong, but it seems that in today’s Christianity this seems to be an overlooked truth. Our church recently did a number of street meeting and in those outreach meetings many of the church members gave testimonies: I noticed that there were those who talked about Jesus being their healer, provider, friend etc but missed that important characteristic of savior. (After all, isn’t that why he is called Jesus? Matt 1:21)

There must be a resurgence of real Gospel preaching where people are made aware of the fact that they are sinners and God hates and will judge that sin. I do realize the plethora of problems and trials that people face today but I also realize that the trials of this life are nothing to be compared to the righteous wrath that God will pour out upon the wicked in hell. There is no greater pain than the pain of lostness and that is the reason for Paul’s words to the Philippian Church:

Philippians 2:12-13 ESV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

It is these verses that lead me to maybe the most painful part of the song: Whatever you have to do in me don’t let me be lost for eternity. How is that painful? Isn’t it a joy to know God can work in me both to will and to work for his good pleasure (That we should be holy and without blame before him in love Ephesians 1:5 NKJV)? The answer is yes and no. My spirit rejoices in it but my flesh cringes at the thought. Not just because it is Godly but also because God’s ways are very unpleasant to it.

What does God have to do in/with me that above all else I will be saved?

• Make me miss some opportunities that I may have benefited from physically?
• Make me loose some friends so I would not be unequally yoked and influenced by unbelievers?
• Give me some sickness so I have no other option but to trust him and serve him, and maybe be hindered from doing some sin with my body?
• Or maybe even kill me when everything is alright.

My desire is even in these is: Far above all else I must be saved.

Thoughts about the Church From Job

Recently, during my reading through the bible that I do yearly, I had the opportunity to read through the book of Job. Everyone who has been around the church for any period of time seems to think that they know the story, and maybe we do. However the story we know only happens to take up about 3 chapters (Chapters 1-2 & 42). The remaining 39 chapters of the 42 are largely unknown, maybe because they are more of a dialog than an actual story, a dialog that is somewhat difficult because the reader has to separate the truth from the human opinions which are presented.

This year I approached the book of Job with all that I have mentioned in mind. I looked at it as a book that I knew very little about yet desired to know more and although I am nowhere close to still really getting what really went on in those 39 chapters I have gained a whole lot from the book that I didn't have prior to this reading. I can't wait to read the book again next year to see what new stuff I will gain from the life of this man who went through so much.

Job's story is the great trial of one man. Satan meets with God and is convinced that this man Job is not serving him for nothing. He claimed that if the blessing and hedge that God had placed of Job were removed, he would curse God to the face. God has confidence in Job and allows the devil to go through with his plan, only he could not touch Job. In one day, he is left without all his earthly possessions and the children he had fathered, yet still does not curse God but instead tears his clothes, pours dust and ash on his head and says blessed be the name of the Lord. This however, is not the end of Job's trial. Satan is still convinced that he can cause Job to die and as a result, devises another strategy for destroying Job.

Job 2:4-10 ESV
4 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” 6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Up until the end of chapter Job seems strong and unbroken, almost unaffected by the trial he had to face but in chapter 3 we find Job cursing the day of his birth. While we often look to Job as a man of phenomenal patience but forget that Job was as normal as we all are and didn't go through his trial like it was a breeze. As a normal human being Job actually wished that he was dead, even questioning the reason for his very existence. He much like all of us and is only separated from the vast majority because he was one of the few who endured to the end.

This brings me to the thing that takes up the entire book - Conversations among friends. It is often said that in our times of trouble it helps to just have someone there with us. Job did, but I am convinced he needed more than this because as the book progresses we find the conversation did more to discourage Job than encourage him. While we know for sure his friends were not loose on calling sin sin and strongly detesting it, they missed the fact that their friend needed more than a rejection of sin, he needed someone to support him in his calamity.

An interesting turn happens in Chapter 32 of Job; A guy by the name of Elihu begins speaking. I am not altogether sure where he comes from (will have to look into that) but I do know his name doesn't come up in chapter 42 when God speaks out against Job's 3 friends, Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite and I am left with the conclusion he was somehow separated from them as speaking truth. We do know from reading that he doesnt speak until this point because he is the youngest and wishes to respect his elders but he reaches a point where what is in him has to come out. The words he speaks, however are not empty and mere rants of a hot headed man but are instead balanced words of wisdom.

Elihu speaks strongly against 2 things that have kept comming up in the conversation between Job and the 3 friends. The first being the condemnation put on Job, demoralizing him and set to make him repent of a sin he never comitted. Elihu argued that the 3 men, up till this point were unable to give answers against the responces of Job. The second is found in verse 12 and is the fact that Job in all of his resonces saught to justify himself rather than justifying God. Interesting observations which God must have agreed with seeing he had no issue with this man.

I see this story as being so applicable to the church and how we go about doing God's business in the world. While we must echo he words of the apostle of love and stand strong against sin, we cannot allow our stance aginst sin to fail to see people for who they really are, precious and immportant to God, broken and marred by the very effects of sin and in need of some aid and help. Our message must not only be one that rejects sin but it mst be one of hope that Jesus can change the sinner and make even the worst in the word, abound in blessings. We must also be very careful in the midst of all of this to remeber the soverienty of God - The only thing that leaves God justified rather than ourselves. Our goodness will never buy God's blessings just as a seeming lack of blessings does not mean that we have sinned.

We must learn one thing - Whether we are up or down, everything is in the hands of God and he is still worthy of our praise.

Saved By Grace Through Faith

Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Throughout the Past Century, Apostolic Soteriology has been challenged and come against. Many have challenged the Acts 2:38 model of salvation as not really being the biblical plan of salvation (of course this is a summary of what they do by challenging baptismal regeneration and non-acceptance of the baptism of the holy spirit as a definite experience which tongues is the official evidence of) and claim that the Apostolic model of salvation cannot be biblical because it downplays the doctrine of justification by faith which many throughout Church history have died defending.


I was recently listening to a debate Dr. David K. Bernard participated in. He is president of Urshan Graduate School of Theology and one of the primer Apostolic Theologians alive today. In this debate Dr. Bernard was strong in his stance that we are saved by grace through faith which is demonstrated by Repentance,Water baptism in Jesus Name and the Infilling of the Holy Spirit (evidenced by speaking with tongues). What I was impressed with was Dr. Bernard's emphasis on our salvation by grace through faith. I have in recent times adopted this approach and strongly argue the first part as necessary for the latter. While many believe you must have either or I would argue that both come together to give the true apostolic definition of salvation.

The Example of Noah

Many people are of the belief that Noah was saved because he was somehow morally better than other people of his day. Many bible story books set up the story this way. A Mark Driscoll clip on youtube caused me to abandon this false perspective of the story. He said that he was reading his children this story and one pointed out that the story neglected to mention the real reason for Noah's salvation:

Gen 6:5-8 NKJV
5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them." 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

This is the real reason why Noah was spared from the flood. Although I am focusing on Noah I must take time to note that everyone one in the Old Testament who is noted as Hero of Faith or saw salvation of some time always experience it by grace through faith:

• Abraham was an Idol worshiper - His dad made them
• Moses was a murderer
• David seemed to enjoy chasing skirts and killing people who got in his way

When I look at this trend I have no difficulty saying that Noah was saved by grace through faith.

What Is The Grace of God?

A common definition for grace is "The unmerited favor of God". The Nelson's Bible Dictionary says the following: The grace of God was supremely revealed and given in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus was not only the beneficiary of God's grace (Luke 2:40), but He was also its very embodiment (John 1:14), bringing it to mankind for salvation (Titus 2:11). By His death and resurrection, Jesus restored the broken fellowship between God and His people, both Jew and Gentile. The only way of salvation for any person is "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:11).

A true definition of grace is an understanding that man is a sinner and unable to save himself. It is only this thing called the grace of God which is able to save us. God looks at helpless man and provides him with a way of salvation.

• For Noah the grace of God was seen when God told him that a flood would come and gave him the plans for the ark so he could be saved.
• For Abraham it was God speaking to this idolater and telling him to leave his country and father's household and go to a place God would show him.
  
• For us it is the Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4: Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and he rose the third day according to the scriptures.

The Human Element of Faith

Man people seem to teach that man is saved by the grace of God only. They seem to neglect that Paul says we are saved by grace through faith. This faith is man's part in the salvation process (Calvinists will argue that salvation is the work of God alone but the scripture speaks differently).

Paul does say that salvation is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast. How can man not boast if he plays a part in his salvation? Simple. Because he knows that salvation is a gift from God which he only receives by this thing called faith. While he plays a part he understands that without God his act of faith is useless and he does not even have anything to have faith in.

Faith Without Works is Dead

James 2:14-23
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

This scripture is very difficult to come to grips with especially in light of Eph 2:8-9. It seems almost contradictory. James 2:23 has inspired the now popular Israel Houghton song "Friend of God" but also parallels Romans 4 where Paul argues Justification by Faith alone. James does not contradict any of this: He clarifies it all by making everyone aware of the fact that faith is more than mental action.

It would be ridiculous for us to believe that men thought the bible pleased God simply by saying "I believe you God" their belief had to have action to back it up. Many use the chair example for this - If you believe the chair will hold you up you don't have faith until you sit in it. Of course James uses the example of speaking comforting words without actually giving a helping hand as a lack of faith and Abraham's proof of faith by choosing to sacrifice Issac

Peter's Argument for Water Baptism

In Peter's first letter he does an excellent Job of defending the necessity of water baptism which he presented in Acts 2:38. He does this by using the Noah argument which I have been using. I have already said that is was firstly the grace of God that saved Noah and that this was through Noah's faith which was demonstrated by him obeying the command of God.

1 Peter 3:18-22 ESV

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

I can think of no better way of presenting the truth of the Gospel than Peter did. He speaks of the Gospel (Christ dying for our sins) And uses the story of Noah showing that the grace of God was extend to all (some may argue this point but I stand ready to be corrected) by his patience waiting for them but only eight were saved because they had the faith in God's grace that provided an ark. Baptism which corresponds to all of this by being a means by which we show our faith in the grace of God being extended to all now saves us, not by removing dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience.

Final Thoughts

Apostolic Christians should not be afraid to boldly hammer the truth that reformers died for: Salvation is by grace through faith alone. We understand that our faith is demonstrated by our obedience to the word of God. Baptism in Jesus name is just as much a work as confessing Jesus with the mouth.

In order to have salvation by grace through faith alone we must first work hard to present first the Grace of God which has been extended through man by the Gospel of the Death of Jesus for our sins, his burial and his resurrection on the third day.and then present the message of faith by obedience to the plan of salvation in Acts 2:38. This folks is exactly what Peter did on the day of Pentecost and it repeats itself throughout the book of Acts.

D.C. Lake

Lessons From Reformed Guys

As stated in my last blog post, I am not reformed in theology. I am Arminian and not Calvinist. I am more specifically apostolic and believe Calvinist doctrine is false doctrine and error however in recent times I have been listening to quite a bit of reformed guys. The top of the list would be John Piper who some guy jokingly said must be a distant cousin of Jesus but it also includes people like CJ Mahaney, Mark Driscoll, and John MacArthur. While I do have major doctrinal differences with these men I must admit that I have learnt a few things from them thus far from them.

1. Stay In The Bible

One thing I've noticed is that these guys take the words "Preach the word" literally. This really hits home when you see guys like Mark Driscoll who is a young pastor not following the trend to preach on some popular theme in today's culture but doing a biblical exposition of a scriptural passage. This especially re-enforces the fact that biblical is still relevant. It re-enforces the fact that the bible must be our final answer for all of our doctrine.

I remember hearing Mark Driscoll saying that when he asked his pastor what books he thought were good for him to read and his pastor took up the bible and asked if he had read it. His response was that he had read a bit of it but he wanted to know if there were any other books he should read. His pastor's response was that he should not think of reading anything until he had really gotten acquainted with his bible. Old school? Maybe but it will surely keep you on course.

I also remembering Dr. Piper in a Q & A session saying that he did not have a TV. He did not condemn those who did but said he did not have time for one and his most striking reason was that he would not have enough time to read his bible. He claims that even without him he still doesn't seem to have enough time to read. It must be noted that this man puts much emphasis on the word of God; reading it, studying it and memorizing it. This is a must for Christian living because the word of God is the sword of the spirit.

2. Doctrine Does Matter

Many in today's world argue for the ecumenicalism of the Christian Community. It is said that doctrine divides and God really wants unity and we should lay aside doctrinal preaching in favor of stuff that tells us how to handle our problems better. Reformed guys stand opposed to this and are committed to doctrinal preaching. What is even more interesting is that there churches are growing even with their emphasis on their doctrine which is supposed to divide and be irrelevant.


I believe apostolics can learn something from this. Our doctrine is important and must be proclaimed, we cannot run the risk of blurring lines and not being distinctive in our doctrine. In our ranks Bishop Paul D. Mooney, Assistant General Superintendent of the UPCI is famous for the statement: "You can't have a revival without doctrine." While we do not have to be mean or offensive in our presentation we must remain focussed on the truth of God's word and contend for doctrinal purity.


3. Focus On Jesus

It is really amazing that a trinitarian. Mark Driscoll has caused me, a Oneness Apostolic to love and appreciate Jesus more and more. One thing I must note about this pastor is the number of times he says Jesus in his preaching, not God ( Which is so abstract and non-specific) but the name Jesus. There is something so Christian about focusing on Jesus. It is something I notice they try to do and it has challenged me to do the same. It just seems that all their preaching is somehow focussed on Jesus. In reflection I have to admit that it seems allot of my preaching does not do that - I preach about living right, getting a blessing and other stuff but I am not sure how Christ centered it all is.

In one of his messages Driscoll also made public his anger over a group of Christian Churches having a rabbi speak and reveal to them the "secrets of the Old Testament". His anger was because the secret of the Old Testament is Jesus and this rabbi does not believe that Jesus is the Christ. Hebrews 12 tells us that we are not only to lay aside the weight and sin that besets us but we are also to run with patience, looking onto Jesus. It is interesting that when I read the book of Acts every time I see anyone preaching they were preaching only one thing : Jesus. It may be that is a reason for many of the miracles performed for them, when Jesus is preached in his glory and power everything we need will follow. In his name is authority and power and everything we need is gained through that name.

4. Preach The Gospel

Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 makes clear what the Gospel is: Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, he was buried, and he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. It is interesting that most ever preacher claims to be a preacher of the Gospel but few ever really preach the Gospel outside of the Easter season. I believe that the Gospel message of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection must be central to our Christian message because it is the only reason why we are saved.

Reformed preachers are becoming allot more palletable for me than allot of charismatic preaching which focuses mainly on prosperity and money. At the 2008 General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church, Bishop James Kilgore preached on the cross and challenged young preachers to preach on the cross, the name and the cross and he would guarantee a revival. I have taken up that challenge and since then allot of my preaching has been more Gospel centered and I definately have seen the effects, if not just on the live of those I preach too but mainly upon myself.

One of the major distinctive doctrines of pentecostal theology is divine healing which is so clearly tied to the Gospel in Isiah's prophecy of the suffering savior. It therefore can not be separated from the the message of the cross. It is also a liberating thing to know the great truth that Jesus Paid it all.

These 4 lessons have helped me, I believe to be a better Christian and a better preacher and I pray that they bless you:

1. Stay In the Bible
2. Doctrine Does Matter
3. Focus on Jesus
4. Preach The Gospel

D.C. Lake

Book Review - Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears

I intend on doing a few more of these for the books I am reading.

Mark Driscoll has become one of the big names in Christianity Today. His church Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA is number 2 on Church Relevance's list of multiplying churches for 2007, #9 on America’s 25 Most Innovative Churches of ‘07, #15 on 100 Fastest Growing U.S. Churches of ‘06 , #22 on 50 Most Influential Churches of ‘06, #54 on 100 Fastest Growing U.S. Churches of ‘05, #23 on 50 Most Influential Churches of ‘05. What is interesting is that this guy is reformed(Calvinist). I am Arminian yet I have to admit that I do enjoy listening and reading stuff by them because it is so Christ centered and that's refreshing especially when most of modern Christianity seems to be me centered with 12 steps to get more money and all the like.

Mark Driscoll is the chief author of this book and he writes most of the chapter followed by a series of answers pertinant to the topic by Gerry Breshears. As I have previously noted Driscoll is reformed in his theology however I don't see TULIP bleeding out through this book so as an Arminian I can deal with it. He is also Trinitarian and this definitely shows in his writing even to the point of bashing Apostolics as can be found on page 35 where he says "Oneness Pentecostals falsely teach that there is no Trinity but rather that Jesus appears in the roles of Father, Son, and Spirit." He also says on page 99 that the Doctrine of the Trinity is essential belief and puts it there with the infallibility of scripture, and Jesus' death and resurrection.

The real question in light of all of this is "Is the book good or is it junk?" I would have to say this is a great book. I can't give it all the stars because he bashes the biblical doctrine of the Oneness of God but Driscoll does an excellent Job at defending Jesus. In reading this book I began to think and realize that most of Apostolic's energies seem to be targeted mainly at defending The Oneness of Jesus and proving the doctrine of the trinity false. In other words it is done with the basic supposition that people already have a belief in the bible and that Jesus is the Christ. It is this very belief Driscoll seeks to lead the reader to.

We live in a postmodern world, where truth is relative and many non-Christian religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Rastafarianism and Buddhism seem to be gaining popularity. These religions question the Jesus of both the Apostolic and the Trinitarian and it becomes necessary for us to have answers for them as 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us. That is where the book's first chapter comes in "Is Jesus the Only God?" where the case is strongly made for the divinity of Jesus. The Fifth and Sixth points of this chapter is especially significant to me as it presents how Jesus claimed he was God and how Jesus confirmed to others that he is God. I have heard many people claim that Jesus is not God because he never claimed to be God and this debunks this myth.

The second chapter is also very significant, especially to Apostolics. Many would know that in 2003 the UPCI took a definite stand against the doctrine of Divine Flesh. Driscoll answers the question that many have "How human was Jesus?" in his very own way. On page 31 he writes " Jesus was a dude. Like my drywaller dad, he was a construction worker who swung a hammer for a living.Because Jesus worked in a day when there were no power tools, he likely had calluses on his hands and muscles on his frame, and did not look like so many of the drag-queen Jesus images that portray him with long, flowing, feathered hair, perfect teeth, and soft skin, draped in a comfortable dress accessorized by matching open-toed sandals and handbag. Jesus did not have Elton John or the Spice Girls on his iPod, The View on his TiVo, or a lemon-yellow Volkswagen Beetle in his garage. No, Jesus was not the kind of person who, if walking by you on the street, would require you to look for an Adam’s apple to determine the gender." He kinda reminds me of Jeff Arnold in his approach there - totally original but you get the point loud and clear.

The Book continues to answer other questions about Jesus such as - How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming? Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? Why Did Jesus’ Mom Need to Be a Virgin? What Did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross? Did Jesus Rise from Death? Where Is Jesus Today? Why Should We Worship Jesus? What Makes Jesus Superior to Other Saviors? What Difference Has Jesus Made in History? What Will Jesus Do upon His Return?

There are two things which especially stuck out to me in the book that are worth mentioning. One of these is a paragraph found on page 222 which is an amazing defense of the doctrine of Hell and how a Holy loving God would allow people to go there:

"God is literally holy, we are literally sinful, Jesus literally died to forgive our sin, and if we fail to receive his forgiveness, we will literally stand before him for judgment and be sentenced to a literal hell as an act of literal justice. To be honest, the doctrine of hell does not bother me. It makes perfect sense that guilty people would be sentenced and punished for their evil. What has always bothered me is heaven. How could a holy God allow any sinner to enter heaven? Furthermore, how could a loving God allow evil to continue without stopping it forever and bringing justice to all of the victims before wiping all their tears? Indeed, the joys of heaven and not the pains of hell are more difficult for me to reconcile with the character of a good God. The cold, hard truth is that for those who do not love Jesus, this life is as close to heaven as they will ever get. Hell awaits them."

The other is found in Chapter 4 where he discusses why Jesus came to earth. He presents the ministry of Jesus in a tri-perspective as Prophet, Priest and King and even gives a story of how Jesus impacted him in all of these ways and how they were all necessary in drawing him close to Jesus. His testimony is really powerful and is followed by him examining what happens when one of these perspectives is removed and the problems it causes. I must say that this chapter was by far the most impacting Chapter in the book and really helped me to Love Jesus more.

D.C. Lake

Things I Don't Understand

This blog post is a collection of thoughts I have had lately. I have a feeling that I will be preaching on them soon, if I feel the spirit's leading. I will think of posting that as well if people are interested.

I have heard Bishop T.F. Tenney often speak of things we don't understand. He uses quite a few funny points to illustrate this:

• They say nothing sticks to Teflon...How does Teflon stick to the pan?
  
• Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
• Why do we drive in parkways and park in driveways?

These are quite trivial and to most of us unimportant but in our lives we find what seem to be more relevant whys. Why do we go through bad things? Why do we loose family members and loved ones? Why does sickness paralyze us and why do we have to battle opposition on every side?

There is of course a basic theological answer to these questions. The truth is bad things do not happen to good people. The bible establishes the fact that there is in reality none good, none that does good, no not one (Romans 3:10 -12). God's righteous judgment against our sin means we will go through these things. Good answer? Maybe but it still leaves many questions to be asked.

What about the justified? Doesn't the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross make them free from sin and "just as if they never did it"? Why do so many of the way of righteous suffer? Why isn't life easier or better for them? Why does it seems at times that the righteous struggle while the sinner is in ease, comfort and prosperity?

David seems to look so strong but in reading the Psalms I realize he often struggled with many of these questions. I dare say that David was blessed to live when he did because had he released some of his songs in this present world many would be in opposition to them because of his transparency.

Ps 73:2-5
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.

Job in much the same way questioned:

Job 3:11-12
11 Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?
12 Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?

Are not all of our whys as David put it?

Ps 73:16

16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

I have come to realize that God just has his way of doing things. I will never understand all of the ways of God and anyone who claims to is greatly mistaken. God allows what he wills and prevents what he wills and it is this fact that gives me comfort.

On my Youtube channel I have uploaded a sermon preached last month at The Pentecostals of Alexandria by Evangelist Morton Bustard. I would advise every reader to check it out. It really spoke to me. In that message a point was made that has just stuck with me - "Why did God train Joseph in the pit for a palace and turn around and train Moses in the palace for the wilderness? I don't know but the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Pro 37:23). " Sounds somewhat unfair but still it gives me comfort because I know with God ordering my steps things are going to work out. I would also advise readers to check out Dr. Daniel Seagraves' series on suffering on Hope University at www.thereishopefortoday.com .

David's question has an answer which puts everything into focus:

Ps 73:17-20
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.

David does not speak of receiving some great blessing or being prospered. It even appears that he is the same man that we read of earlier in the passage, but it is the same man who has had his focus readjusted. He may not have received all the physical benefits of the here and now but he was assured of the fact that he had an eternal benefit - The wicked would be cut off but those who trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion (Ps 125:1). David had to learn as we all need to learn our response to all of the questions is having faith in God. We may not receive all the physical blessings we desire in this life but we can die in faith, not receiving the promises but seeing them afar off (Heb 11:13) choosing the better resurrection of Heaven (Heb 11:35)

I close with a contrast point to all of this which happens to be another thing I don't understand. May it be a word of hope to you:

Ps 8:3-9
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

D.C. Lake

Where Are The Bereans?

Acts 17:10-12 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

In case nobody told you...Let me be first to do so - Preachers make mistakes. This is somewhat hard to admit, considering the fact that I am a preacher and know full well that there are those who take pride in highlighting this fact and using it to justify their ways of rebellion and rejection of the word of God. The truth however is inescapable and I must admit I have made mistakes in the past and may very well continue to do so - I am not perfect.

Paul gave a very fitting command to his son in the Gospel, Timothy:

2 Tim 2:15 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

If I am to be honest and transparent, I will have to admit the fact that there are times I have not rightly divided the word of truth and thus am an ashamed workman. One particular incident comes to mind. It was on a Thursday night when my father and pastor was not able to be at church and gave me, the young budding preacher the opportunity to preach. He had been doing a series on "The Chemistry of Emotions" and I felt led to go along and talk about the emotion of excitement. In an attempt to illustrate the fact that familiarity and lack of excitement for the things of God leads us down the road of instruction I told the story of David bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem. Anyone who has studied the story will know that Uzzah the man who touched the Ark and died was not unfamiliar with he Ark; it rested in his fathers house. However in my description of his familiarity I stated That he was used to touching the Ark. Not bad for a slip of the tongue but was was worse is that I had placed that very line in my notes. I had felt so good an right about it but I was dead wrong. When my father finally heard the sermon he questioned me and corrected my error.

As I write this I am remeinded of the many times during my bible reading or just life that a thought comes to my mind. A powerful thought - One that will just preach, One that I at the moment was convinced came from the Holy Spirt. Somewhere during the progress of getting that thought into a sermon (Prayer, Meditation and thought and study) I come to the place where the whole message is useless because I realease how non-biblical the thought is. I could still preach it from the bible but in reality it would be taking things out of context and more of isegesis (using scripture to prove your veiw) than exergesis (Going to scripture to get your veiws). Preaching my veiw would again be another mistake.

I say all of this because it really scares me that my mistakes are recieved by well meaning sincere people as the truth. And its not me alone around the world many people sit in churches and under annointed, God called (I stress these words) men of God and take their words for fact because they are annointed, led by the spirit and have peached truth. Many people will leave church remembering a message but never actually checking it out in scripture. That scares me. I know I am prone to mistakes and this can happen in my ministry.

I am a minister. I know what the spirit of rebellion is - This is not what I am talking about. I am talking about each person working out their own salvation and not taking the preachers word for it. I'm talking about the words I have grown up hearing my dad say when he would teach things like the oneness of God, baptism in Jesus name, The Holy Spirit and holiness. He would say "Don't believe this because Pastor Lake said it - Read your bible and know it for yourself."

As I have matured in wisdom and ministry I can easily identify those in the church who like the Bereans searched the scriptures for themselves. Firstly, they have questions. Their reading the scripture sometimes makes them see things which are not clear - It confuses them. They sometimes have read things which are not quite what the preacher is saying. A perfect example
of this come to my mind: Many years ago my father preached a message in our bible study. But late that night one of the most faithful saints came nocking on our door with his bible under his arm. He had heard a message but could not just recieve it he needed clarification. It was immportant for him to clearly see that it was in fact what the scriptures said. He was not rebellious - He was very close to the pastor and this was just an indication of how hungry for truth he was. My father always points to this incident and says he wishes he had more people like that.

Secondly Bereans have revelations. You may teach it one way but they will look through the scriptures and find what you are saying in places you never saw. It hurts my heart to say this but many people in apostolic churches have a knowledge of doctrine by catechism not revelation. They know only what the preacher told them. This is sad. Joy filled my soul when I went through the study notebook of one of my "trinitarian" minister friends. The word trinitarian is in inverted commas because although he attends a trinity church he has a sure revelation of the oneness and baptism in Jesus name. He had many note about these doctrines in his notebook yet they were scriptures I had never heard preached. He had studied and gotten a revelation for himself. Nobody could take away what he had seen plainly in scripture.

Nothing beats a Berean. The bible calls them noble. They didn't believe in Jesus because the greatest apostle - Paul himself, whose preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in the demonstration of the spirit in power, had told them but rather because they had searched the scriptures and found Jesus - the source of eternal life.

John 5:39
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

I pray that these words are recieved in the right spirit

D.C. Lake