What's in a Job Title?

What IS in a job title?  I have mixed feelings after receiving the news today, that due to a new directive at work, I'll be losing my hard-earned title of Technical Director; and plummeting all the way back down to something I was way back when I started.  Once again, it shows how little the company values us as people, and how our work really doesn't mean much to them.

Well, I guess this will just enable me to continue to "fly under the radar" and maintain relative anonymity.  Fortunately, I don't place high importance to job titles; but still, it is somewhat a jolt to the self-esteem and a bit of a motivation damper.  Who knows what motivated such a directive from upper management; but, it does not bolster any confidence in their decisions.  I can't imagine that this is a decision that would be well-received by anyone.

No matter what, I know that I am still the same person doing the same work.   My worth is not tied into the job title; for my worth comes from my Creator, and that will never change.  Amen.

Thomas and John

"Doubting Thomas" has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It's true, as shown in John 20:24-31, that initially he didn't let his faith help him see the realities that are often hidden from others.  Since Jesus predicted his resurrection before His crucifixion, Thomas and the other disciples should have known before seeing any evidence; and could've even been at the tomb on the morning of the third day expecting His resurrection.  However, to his credit, Thomas clearly proclaimed through his confession "My Lord and My God", his belief after seeing the evidence.   As Jesus gently showed Thomas the evidence, it reminds us that He is also patient with us when we lack faith.   However, we also must remember not to limit, by our lack of faith, what God can do. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed."

My Pastor has been clearly presenting the gospel message in his sermons; and this was no exception.   In referring to Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved", he stated that one must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior in order to be saved.  I'm sure the critics wouldn't fully agree; but, I thank God that He is building up my confidence in standing firm against the critics, albeit slowly.  

Following the example of Nehemiah, I have been praying for my critics and for the situation; as well as for boldness and courage to keep on with God's Work.   It has been a struggle trying to have a less defensive and critical attitude; but, I trust that God will help me to see through His perspective and to learn and grow through this experience. I can see God at work, with the encouragement from the elders, knowing that I have the Pastor and Assistant Pastor behind me, and even seeing the class recognize the Greek knowledge of one of the critics, hopefully encouraging him and helping him not to become bitter and angry from censure.

In class, the person teaching the current series in the Gospel of John, is an example of presenting the Word without fear and timidity, despite the critics.   It's been interesting going back to some of the basics of Who Christ is:

• John 1:1 - the Word of God (power and all-knowing) as manifested through the mystery of the Trinity
• John 1:3 - the Creator with amazing power through His Word ("He spoke it, and it came to be" Psalm 33:9a), His glory being declared through the vastness and wonder of the universe and all creation.  "All things have been created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:16b) - when He created it, all things were good.
• John 1:4 - the Source of Life; there's a connection between Life and Light; and apart from Him there is death ("For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Abraham and Isaac

My pastor continued with his "Faith under Fire" series with a sermon on Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22:1-18.   It was focused on trusting God with your children, rather than "helicoptering" them (i.e. hovering).   While that aspect of the message wasn't so applicable to me; yet, there were still some general points that were relevant:

• Testing is actually important in helping us keep our "skills" sharp
• We will all have a series of "tests" throughout our lifetime
• Sometimes we just need to be willing to do the hard thing and be faithful, even when we do not know the outcome
• Abraham had learned to trust God thru all that he has gone thru in the past, and he even believed that he and Isaac would return (as indicated with his use of "we")
• Abraham was an example to Isaac through his own trust in God
• Often God provides at the ELEVENTH HOUR (typically a time when our faith is stretched)

Inquiring of the LORD

The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD."   Joshua 9:14

It was a costly mistake made by the Israelites, believing the deceptions of the Gibeonites with their moldy provisions; and not inquiring of the the LORD. And thus, they were prevented from carrying out the command given to Moses regarding the Promised Land and the inhabitants.

In focusing on PRAYER this year, this is a reminder that there are times we fail to inquire of the LORD, and move forward with our own decisions, being persuaded by what we see, even if we may not be seeing correctly.   I pray that I will not make costly mistakes by failing to inquire of the LORD; but, will instead continually seek His Will and Guidance.

Philippians - Conclusion

As Paul drew the letter to a conclusion, he thanked the Philippians for their giving, yet also shared the "secret" of contentment no matter the circumstances:  "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (4:13).   Then, he could not help breaking out in doxology, giving glory to God as he declared that ""my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" (4:19)

Throughout the book, Paul developed his theme of joy, starting by talking about joy and rejoicing, then rejoicing IN THE LORD, and then in Chp 4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

 A summary of Philippians can be outlined with 4 "P"s:

• PRAYER - Paul started in Chapter 1 with prayer for the Philippians, and in Chp 4, encouraged them not to be anxious but to PRAY with thanksgiving
• PERSPECTIVE - Paul's perspective helped him to remain joyful despite circumstances, by seeing God at work, looking towards "the day of Christ", and recognizing that "to live is Christ and to die is gain".     He encouraged them to keep their minds on things excellent and praiseworthy; and to see that there is nothing that compares with "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ"
• PURPOSE- Paul encouraged them to follow godly examples, with Christ as the ultimate example, pressing on toward the goal of being like Christ in glory.  He encouraged to live OUT what God as doing IN them, shining as lights and holding forth the gospel.
• PARTNERSHIP - Not only were the Philippians partners with Paul in ministry and giving; they were partners with each other, encouraged to serve together in UNITY

Great White Throne Judgment

One critic in class keeps referring to the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15 "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."   He kept saying that people will be judged according to their deeds, not their sins; and that the only criteria for eternal condemnation is not believing in Jesus, because that determines who is in the book of life.

I'm still in the process of forming  my "apologia" or defense; but, currently, my response would be that at the Great White Throne judgment, the unsaved will be judged for both their good and evil deeds, and inevitably, it will reveal that they fall short.    As Romans 2:5-11 says "But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. "  And, James 2:10 say "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all."

In other words, perfection is required, and no person meets that standard; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  So, when judged, it is clear that man is guilty; and only those who placed their faith in Christ are saved; because Christ died for our sins.  But, only those who believe in Christ are regenerated and are justified.

Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6

 "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith" - Hebrews 11:7

This Sunday, my Pastor preached on Noah, who believed God about the coming judgment even though it ran counter to the prevailing logic and experience; and continued to build the ark despite the world's condemnation.  Noah's faith changed his affections, emotional attachments, and actions.

The way he was able to "condemn the world", was that when faced with righteousness, unrighteousness is revealed - like our sin being exposed when faced with the holiness of God.   An interesting point made, is that Methusaleh was the grandfather of Noah; and his name meant, "when he dies, it will be sent".    And the flood is calculated to have come the year Methusaleh died.    Also, because Methusaleh is known to have lived the longest (969 years), it actually shows the patience of God, waiting until judgment came through the flood.  As 2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."

Final judgment is still coming, and the only "ark" of safety is found by believing in Jesus Christ.

Free Grace?

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Salvation is absolutely by GRACE through FAITH, and it is a free gift of God.   Yet, as I've been faced more and more with this Free Grace doctrine being pushed by the "critics" in class, it is troubling that their difference in perspective causes so much dissension in the interpretation of Scripture.   This Free Grace perspective comes up in most passages, because it involves a differing viewpoint on salvation, sin, repentance, judgment, sanctification, discipleship, works, faith, etc, etc.   So, it is almost unavoidable that the critics would debate something in every single lesson.

They distinguish between those who can just ENTER the Kingdom through salvation vs those who INHERIT the Kingdom and are called as disciples. And, then they emphasize work-based rewards at the Bema seat of Christ.   To me, disciples might then be more motivated to work for the rewards; rather than just because of our love for Christ.

I have found that they will use the Greek and try to fit it to their interpretation; and when presented against a lay person, it can be intimidating.  However, while I do not have the Greek studies background, I have researched the writings of those who do; and I just need to stand firm and be confident in that.

While there are respected theologians on the Free Grace side; and they use their learning to back up their point of view; fundamentally, I think that doctrine makes light of the realities of sin and allows for a whole group of "believers" who are not living the Christian life the way God would want us to.   So, the way I see it, whether the Free Grace doctrine is correct or not; everyone in the traditional viewpoint would be considered saved, since we would be what they call "disciples"; but, if the Free Grace doctrine is found to be incorrect, then there will be a group of people who thought they were "believers" but actually are not; because in the traditional viewpoint, true saving faith is evidenced by works.

I just do not understand why they would not want every single believer to "work out their salvation" and to be lights in this world, allowing God to work in them through the sanctification process. Why "fight" for the viewpoint that a person can still continually live in rebellion, even if they are supposedly saved?   Why reduce "knowing Christ" to just an intellectual knowledge of Him, rather than a deep personal relationship?  Why ignore the realities of sin?   Why downplay the Great White Throne Judgment?

No, I don't want a watered-down faith.    I want one that is clearly evidenced by works, in which I will shine as a light in this dark world because I am living my life differently from the world. Since Christ paid so great a price on the cross for my sin, I do not want to continue living in sin nor would I want to promote a viewpoint that says it is fine for "believers" to live in sin and even become atheists.  As mentioned in some writings, this Free Grace perspective lends support to antinomianism.  However, as traditional reformists say, “We are justified by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone.”   I obey and worship Him because He is Lord and because He is Holy (sin is contrary to His nature and thus should be to me also, as a regenerated new creature in Christ).

2/28/13:  I am faced with having to "confront" my critics again this Sunday.  They have been talking to people in class, giving out books, and inviting people to a "Bible Study"; knowing that their theology is different from what is being taught in church.  As I've been thinking more about their theology, I wonder why they do not focus their time and energies instead on reaching unbelievers, rather than targeting people in church.  I also see their perspective as being analogous to saying that two people can say their wedding vows in front of God, and then just turn around and be unfaithful to their spouse and claim that it is still a marriage.   To me, that's what is would be like to place one's faith in Christ, and yet continue to live a life of sin and never acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

It has also been quite humbling, now that I think about it, that maybe they continue to come to my class because they view me as "easy prey" - that they may be able to sway me to their theological point of view and wreak havoc in my class because I look young and because of my gender.  I just pray for wisdom and that the Holy Spirit will fill me and give me the right words to say to them.

Carpet Time

My Pastor uses the phrase "Carpet Time" in his family to refer to times of intense prayer, when they are laid out prostrate before the Lord on the carpet.   I was drawn to one of those times today.   I've gotten feedback and comments from various people in my class regarding the critics; and it seems that their antagonism and argumentativeness is affecting the environment of the class.    So, I had to just pray and give it to God; and ask that He reveal to me how best to handle the situation.   It is His class; and I just trust that He will work "behind the scenes".    It is in His Hands.   Amen.

2 Chronicles 20:1-30

In the continuation of his "Faith Under Fire" series, my Pastor preached on "Trusting God When the Odds are Against You" using 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 as the passage.   King Jehosophat, after seeing God deliver him after he prayed when his life was in danger in war, his life was changed.  Chp 19:4 records that he turns the people back to God.   So, in Chp 20, when faced with overwhelming odds, he turned to God in prayer (vs 3,4), remembered God's power and faithfulness (vs 6,7) thus allowing him to see the circumstance through the lenses of God's Power, and also admitted his weakness and lack of understanding (vs 12), leaving the final outcome in God's Hands (vs 14-22) for the battle belongs to the Lord.

In times when the odds are stacked against us, it is important to remember not to let the enemy take us down, after all that God has done in our lives.    As Proverbs 3:5,6 says, we are to have complete TRUST in the Lord, complete openness to His perspective, and complete obedience to HIM.

The worship service yesterday was really JOYFUL, and my assistant pastor even told a really funny joke.   It's neat to see the great relationship between him and the pastor.

My critics were in full force in class yesterday, and we had a "discussion" about what it really means to KNOW Christ.   While confrontation unsettles me, I just pray that all this will help me to grow in knowledge and strength; and that I will just continue to develop with a better understanding and articulation of the TRUTH.

While I, fortunately, am not facing overwhelming odds, yet, life is definitely filled with challenges; and it is a good reminder to just trust and obey, and try to see things through God's perspective.

Philippians 3-4

In Philippians 3:1, Paul tells us the sphere in which we are to rejoice:  IN THE LORD.   This shows why are joy is not based on circumstance, for, it is rooted in our immutable God.

The Philippians were to rejoice, even though they were being challenged by Judaizers, for whom Paul had harsh words (i.e."those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh").   While Paul had more reason to put confidence in the flesh than all those opponents, as listed in vs 5-6, he said that all things were counted as worthless compared to the surpassing value of KNOWING CHRIST!  And, he talked about pressing on toward the goal of Christ-likeness, which will be realized in glory.

Paul encourages having that same attitude of pressing toward the goal of being like Christ, and said that if anyone thought any differently, that God would reveal it to them.    No matter what, he said they were to live out what God has already done in their life.

He offered himself and others like him (like Timothy) as examples of those pressing on toward the goal, which he stated as being transformed in HIS likeness in glory.    His example was also in contrast to the "enemies of the cross of Christ" which he describes.

In Chp 4, Paul exhorts them to stand firm, be united, rejoice always, be gentle, not to be anxious and to pray with thanksgiving, keep their minds on things that are excellent and praiseworthy, and to practice what they have learned.

Still Running

I'm still on the run, in this "race of life".     Yet, I am thankful that I can still see the Hand of God at work.     In the midst of the crazy busy-ness, I feel like God has still been able to use me to touch the lives of others.

 I was able to give my friend a gift card to a place she and her kids really like, and I didn't even know it   (but God knew :-) )

At the Journeys of Paul reunion, I was able to give the Jouneys of Paul - Book of Acts DVD to a couple, who said they will be using it to show to their church youth group, small group, and friends.    Another two couples also asked for copies of the slideshow.

My friend has moved into the condo.  She seems to love it; and I am at peace that this is part of God's Plan.  It will really be nice to have such a good friend so close by.

God gave me the words to say in a chat today.    It shows me that I have grown from my past experiences, being willing to speak up when there is something useful to say and being direct with those I care about even when what I have to say may not be the easiest to hear.   And the effective and clear way I was able to express my objective viewpoint really had to have come from God, for the solid truth and wisdom it contained really couldn't just come from me alone.   It is yet another one of those times in which I was able to utilize what I had learned thru the years from books and from speakers, even though I don't have any personal experience in the circumstance.

In this busy mode, there is actually some satisfaction in knowing that I am being very productive; utilizing my time as effectively as possible.   But, there is even more satisfaction in seeing God use me.