Today was the big day: the day the people of Riverview voted whether to extend a call to me to be the next pastor of Riverview or to look elsewhere. After a spirited business meeting, the vote was taken and the measure passed by a significant margin. The church's constitution states that a pastor must receive 75% of a congregational vote in order for a call to be extended, and the results came in well over that mark.
The agenda for the meeting allowed for questions and comments from the congregation as to the motion to be voted upon with me being present in the room, and then a second period of questions and comments from the congregation without me being present. After that, the congregation would vote.
There were several people who spoke, and I was very encouraged by each and every one of them. Although some of the comments expressed concerns about me becoming the senior pastor, I believe they came from a thoughtful and prayerful attitude, and were generated with my best interests at heart. To that extent, I am grateful that the people of Riverview thought clearly and considered me in their thinking. Truly, I am generally grateful for all who expressed concern.
When I recruit people for volunteer ministry positions at Riverview, I generally send them a letter telling them about the need in the church, and how we've arrived upon them as a potential candidate to fill the volunteer position. I always end the letter by stating that regardless of their decision to volunteer in this capacity or not, we will rejoice what what they decide to do or not do. Because if a person has come upon a decision prayerfully and with introspection, the decision they come to has been arrived upon through God's guidance. And any time people are seeking God in their decision making, it's a winning situation.
To this extent, I was fine with whatever decision the congregation made. Certainly being the senior pastor of Riverview is something that I am desiring to do, and something I think that I am able to do. But if the people came to the decision that I am not the best fit for Riverview at this time through a well-thought, prayerful process, then I would rejoice in that decision. That being said, I am glad that the vote came out the way it did!
I was also humbled by all of the people who spoke up in support for me in the position. By God's grace, I will be able to live up to everything you said about me. Please pray for me to that end. Thank you.
Two comments in particular stood out to me, and interestingly enough, neither of these comments were particularly positive or negative toward extending a call to me. One comment I thought was very wise, but perhaps not very Baptistic in the sense that Baptists are known for their congregational government - that is, the congregation is king - they have the final vote. This commenter said that she had decided to trust the church's leadership. The Deacons and the Church Council (in addition to the recommendation of the regional minister) had unanimously recommended me as a candidate for the position. She was choosing to trust that the leadership came to their recommendation thoughtfully and prayerfully, and she was choosing to follow their recommendation. While I affirm congregational church governance, I think there is wisdom to this thinking. As Baptists, we elect and approve leaders whom we believe are gifted in such a way as to occupy leadership positions. It is reasonable (and biblical) to assume that these folks are thinking well and biblically when it comes to decisions and recommendations like these. I thank God for people who are humbly willing and able to submit to their leaders.
The second comment that I thought was very helpful at the meeting had to do with the encouragement of one member to the congregation to submit themselves to God's decision, whatever that might be. The encouragement was for the congregation to realize that God is sovereign, and that the outcome of the vote would be an indication of his will, and that we should accept it as his will and submit to it. This is wisdom, and I was thankful for the admonition to us all to submit ourselves to God's authority.
At the end of the day (which it is, 11:30 PM as I write this) God is sovereign, and he seems to have directed the people of Riverview in a certain way. If God allows, I will bear this responsibility and have the distinct honor and privilege of leading the people of Riverview as their pastor. May he strengthen me to that end.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
On the Eve of the Vote
Today marks the day before the day of the vote that the people of Riverview will cast to determine whether or not I will be the next senior pastor. It's been an incredibly long month of waiting, between the time when the announcement was made to the congregation that I would be the first candidate they would consider, until now. There has been a lot to consider, to ponder, and to think about. In a very real way, I'll be glad when the vote is over - regardless of the outcome.
One impression I have had over the past month is that I am unworthy of the ministry. I am such a sinful man, and my own growth in holiness seems so painfully slow at times. Who am I that I should be called to the ministry? The answer is, I'm a nobody, and I don't deserve anything, let alone the ministry. There's nothing about me that's any good or that is inherently useful for being in the ministry. But I guess that's the point, and it's what I have to keep telling myself. It's only by God's grace that any of us do anything. And so I attribute anything about myself that might be useful for gospel ministry to God and his wisdom and grace.
Also over the past month, there have been two verses in particular that I have been meditating on: "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16.9) and "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." (Proverbs 16.33) In our representative republic we feel like we have so much control over the process of selecting our leaders. We think we make the decisions, and people do what we say. But that's not true - God is the one who makes the decisions and determines rulers and kings and leaders. The same is true of our Baptist polity - we believe the congregation is king - they make the rules, select the leaders, etc. But the same is true of congregational government: God has the final say.
Whatever happens tomorrow, the decision will be the Lord's, whether the vote comes out positively or negatively. And since he loves me and is working all things together for my good, I can rejoice in whatever happens.
One impression I have had over the past month is that I am unworthy of the ministry. I am such a sinful man, and my own growth in holiness seems so painfully slow at times. Who am I that I should be called to the ministry? The answer is, I'm a nobody, and I don't deserve anything, let alone the ministry. There's nothing about me that's any good or that is inherently useful for being in the ministry. But I guess that's the point, and it's what I have to keep telling myself. It's only by God's grace that any of us do anything. And so I attribute anything about myself that might be useful for gospel ministry to God and his wisdom and grace.
Also over the past month, there have been two verses in particular that I have been meditating on: "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16.9) and "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." (Proverbs 16.33) In our representative republic we feel like we have so much control over the process of selecting our leaders. We think we make the decisions, and people do what we say. But that's not true - God is the one who makes the decisions and determines rulers and kings and leaders. The same is true of our Baptist polity - we believe the congregation is king - they make the rules, select the leaders, etc. But the same is true of congregational government: God has the final say.
Whatever happens tomorrow, the decision will be the Lord's, whether the vote comes out positively or negatively. And since he loves me and is working all things together for my good, I can rejoice in whatever happens.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
The Sovereignty of God In Salvation
Election
God chose, before the foundation of the world, those who would be delivered from slavery to sin and those who would be condemned (Romans 8.28-30, 9.11-18). This election was not based on any merits of the elect, but on grace alone (Ephesians 1.4-6). Although all people deserve God's just punishment (Romans 3.23), God chose some to whom he would give the grace of repentance and saving faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sin before the world began. This act of election is an unconditional act of grace (Ephesians 2.8-9).
Grace
All people in the world are privileged to enjoy God's grace given to human beings. This grace is common, and is sufficient for daily life. Considering their sinful and fallen nature, all good things that human beings enjoy are works of God's common grace (Psalm 145.9). Saving grace, however, is reserved for those whom God had predestined to believe the gospel (Ephesians 2.5, 8-10). This grace is irresistible to those whom God has predestined, and is sufficient for the application of Christ's redeeming work performed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1.20).
Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are gifts of God's grace given to believers and are necessary for salvation. Repentance is the act whereby a human being forsakes his or her desire for sinful tendencies as empowered by God (Acts 3.19, 26.20, 1 Corinthians 16.22). Those things loved in the sinful nature are forsaken for those things of a regenerated nature (1 Corinthians 5.9, 1 Thessalonians 2.4). Faith is God-given grace to believe the message of the gospel for the full forgiveness of sins. Through faith, God empowers individuals to believe that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for justification and salvation, and that Christ's death and resurrection has secured for the believer all promises that are due to him or her through the act of being reconciled to God (Ephesians 2.8-9).
Justification
Justification refers to the standing sinners have before God after having had their sin paid for through the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross, having been declared not guilty on account of grace through faith in Christ (Romans 3.20, 28). God justifies the ungodly by faith and not by works (Romans 4.5, Galatians 3.24). God reckons as righteous and acceptable in his sight those whom he has granted the grace of faith, by which sinners are united to Christ, whose perfect righteousness is alone satisfactory for full justification (Romans 3.25, 1 John 2.2). This justification is a working of God alone, and is not merited by any works or deeds done by the justified (Ephesians 2.8-9).
Regeneration and Sanctification
At the moment of salvation, the sinner is given a new heart with new desires for the things of God. This too is an act of God, and is not motivated or inspired by human desires or works (Titus 3.5). This does not mean, however, that the sinner becomes to ally and perfectly righteous in his or her earthly life (Romans 7.15-17). Rather, God works in the heart and mind of the converted through his Spirit to bring about an ever-increasing level of righteousness in daily life (Romans 8.13). That is, the believer's slavery to sin is broken and his or her sinful tendencies and desires are progressively weakened through the power of the Spirit (Romans 6.20-22). This reality calls the believer to become an active participant in God's battle against sin in his or her life, and to rest assured in the eventual victory over it. While regeneration is an immediate reality in the believer's life, the process of sanctification is life-long and will continue unto death. But God will continually provide the believer with grace upon grace so that the believer can and will persevere through this battle with sin. In this sense, the process of sanctification is divine and human endeavor; the individual is empowered by God to fight sin and pursue holiness.
Glorification
When a believer dies, he or she is made perfect and holy; the process of sanctification having been completed. The believer is taken to heaven to be with Christ and bask in his glory (Philippians 3.20-21).
God chose, before the foundation of the world, those who would be delivered from slavery to sin and those who would be condemned (Romans 8.28-30, 9.11-18). This election was not based on any merits of the elect, but on grace alone (Ephesians 1.4-6). Although all people deserve God's just punishment (Romans 3.23), God chose some to whom he would give the grace of repentance and saving faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sin before the world began. This act of election is an unconditional act of grace (Ephesians 2.8-9).
Grace
All people in the world are privileged to enjoy God's grace given to human beings. This grace is common, and is sufficient for daily life. Considering their sinful and fallen nature, all good things that human beings enjoy are works of God's common grace (Psalm 145.9). Saving grace, however, is reserved for those whom God had predestined to believe the gospel (Ephesians 2.5, 8-10). This grace is irresistible to those whom God has predestined, and is sufficient for the application of Christ's redeeming work performed on the cross for the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1.20).
Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are gifts of God's grace given to believers and are necessary for salvation. Repentance is the act whereby a human being forsakes his or her desire for sinful tendencies as empowered by God (Acts 3.19, 26.20, 1 Corinthians 16.22). Those things loved in the sinful nature are forsaken for those things of a regenerated nature (1 Corinthians 5.9, 1 Thessalonians 2.4). Faith is God-given grace to believe the message of the gospel for the full forgiveness of sins. Through faith, God empowers individuals to believe that Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for justification and salvation, and that Christ's death and resurrection has secured for the believer all promises that are due to him or her through the act of being reconciled to God (Ephesians 2.8-9).
Justification
Justification refers to the standing sinners have before God after having had their sin paid for through the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross, having been declared not guilty on account of grace through faith in Christ (Romans 3.20, 28). God justifies the ungodly by faith and not by works (Romans 4.5, Galatians 3.24). God reckons as righteous and acceptable in his sight those whom he has granted the grace of faith, by which sinners are united to Christ, whose perfect righteousness is alone satisfactory for full justification (Romans 3.25, 1 John 2.2). This justification is a working of God alone, and is not merited by any works or deeds done by the justified (Ephesians 2.8-9).
Regeneration and Sanctification
At the moment of salvation, the sinner is given a new heart with new desires for the things of God. This too is an act of God, and is not motivated or inspired by human desires or works (Titus 3.5). This does not mean, however, that the sinner becomes to ally and perfectly righteous in his or her earthly life (Romans 7.15-17). Rather, God works in the heart and mind of the converted through his Spirit to bring about an ever-increasing level of righteousness in daily life (Romans 8.13). That is, the believer's slavery to sin is broken and his or her sinful tendencies and desires are progressively weakened through the power of the Spirit (Romans 6.20-22). This reality calls the believer to become an active participant in God's battle against sin in his or her life, and to rest assured in the eventual victory over it. While regeneration is an immediate reality in the believer's life, the process of sanctification is life-long and will continue unto death. But God will continually provide the believer with grace upon grace so that the believer can and will persevere through this battle with sin. In this sense, the process of sanctification is divine and human endeavor; the individual is empowered by God to fight sin and pursue holiness.
Glorification
When a believer dies, he or she is made perfect and holy; the process of sanctification having been completed. The believer is taken to heaven to be with Christ and bask in his glory (Philippians 3.20-21).
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Remember This:
"The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." (Proverbs 16.33) And, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19.21)
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Sovereignty of God Over the Nature and Purpose of Humanity and Over Sin
The Image of God
God created human beings in his own image (Genesis 1.27). That is, God created human beings to love and enjoy him in perfect fellowship, without sin, being in some sense like God and representing God (Genesis 1.31). Male and female were created in the image of God, and together fully reflect the image of God (Genesis 2.8, Ephesians 5.22-33). It is this fact - that they have been created in the image of God - that makes human beings unique in all of God's creation, and makes their value as created beings distinct from other elements of creation.
The Purpose of Humanity
Since God lives and exists in perfect relationship with himself, needing no other relationship than that which is perfected int he godhead, he had no need to create human beings. He therefore created human beings for the purpose of glorifying himself (Revelation 7.9-10). This glory is made evident through the ways God relates to his created beings and the ways in which they praise him for his glorious deeds (Psalm 78.4). Through his interactions with human beings, God shows himself to be kind, merciful, forgiving, just, loving, etc. (Exodus 34.5-7, Psalm 18.25, 107.1, 145.9), bringing glory to himself through the display of these attributes. Even through God's just judgment of sin (and sinners), God is shown to be great in that he rightly deals with evil (Psalm 7.6 89, 27-29, Hebrews 10.30).
The Nature of Sin
Sin is any and every thing that is contrary to the nature and will of God. It is the inclination of human beings to act and think independently of God's will and revelation (Genesis 3.6, Romans 3.23). Sin separates the offender from the Holy God (Isaiah 59.2). Through the Fall, the entire human race was plunged into sin and is hopelessly lost in it (Romans 5.12, 1 Corinthians 15.22, Romans 6.23).
God does not tempt or force human beings to sin (James 1.13). Rather, he allows human beings to follow the desires of their sinful, fallen hearts. God is sovereign over humankind's sinful activities, however, in that he chooses to allow, or not allow, sinful activities to take place (John 19.10-11, Acts 2.22-23, 4.27-28). In this sense, while God remains sovereign over sin, he cannot be accused of having sinned or being evil himself, and human beings bear the full responsibility for their sin.
The Fallen Nature and Effects of Sin
Although God created human beings as morally upright (Ecclesiastes 5.29), they were led away from the truth of God's will and revelation by Satan (Genesis 3.1). Having been given freedom by God, in allowing themselves to be deceived, they chose to act against God's word and therefore declared their independence from him. In this sense, human kind fell from their state of sinlessness and fellowship with God (2 Corinthians 11.3). All human beings since Adam and Eve, therefore, in some mysterious way, have inherited a sinful nature and similarly suffer the consequences of such a nature, namely separation from God int he spiritual sense (Romans 5.8, Hebrews 11.6, Isaiah 64.6). All people have been corrupted by this nature and are totally depraved, enslaved to sin, and unable to overcome its effects and control by their own power (Isaiah 64.6, Ephesians 2.8-9). The physical result of this fallen nature is that of death, sickness, and decay (Genesis 3.14-19). All suffering, therefore, is a result of the fallen nature of human beings (Genesis 3.16-19, Romans 5.12)
God created human beings in his own image (Genesis 1.27). That is, God created human beings to love and enjoy him in perfect fellowship, without sin, being in some sense like God and representing God (Genesis 1.31). Male and female were created in the image of God, and together fully reflect the image of God (Genesis 2.8, Ephesians 5.22-33). It is this fact - that they have been created in the image of God - that makes human beings unique in all of God's creation, and makes their value as created beings distinct from other elements of creation.
The Purpose of Humanity
Since God lives and exists in perfect relationship with himself, needing no other relationship than that which is perfected int he godhead, he had no need to create human beings. He therefore created human beings for the purpose of glorifying himself (Revelation 7.9-10). This glory is made evident through the ways God relates to his created beings and the ways in which they praise him for his glorious deeds (Psalm 78.4). Through his interactions with human beings, God shows himself to be kind, merciful, forgiving, just, loving, etc. (Exodus 34.5-7, Psalm 18.25, 107.1, 145.9), bringing glory to himself through the display of these attributes. Even through God's just judgment of sin (and sinners), God is shown to be great in that he rightly deals with evil (Psalm 7.6 89, 27-29, Hebrews 10.30).
The Nature of Sin
Sin is any and every thing that is contrary to the nature and will of God. It is the inclination of human beings to act and think independently of God's will and revelation (Genesis 3.6, Romans 3.23). Sin separates the offender from the Holy God (Isaiah 59.2). Through the Fall, the entire human race was plunged into sin and is hopelessly lost in it (Romans 5.12, 1 Corinthians 15.22, Romans 6.23).
God does not tempt or force human beings to sin (James 1.13). Rather, he allows human beings to follow the desires of their sinful, fallen hearts. God is sovereign over humankind's sinful activities, however, in that he chooses to allow, or not allow, sinful activities to take place (John 19.10-11, Acts 2.22-23, 4.27-28). In this sense, while God remains sovereign over sin, he cannot be accused of having sinned or being evil himself, and human beings bear the full responsibility for their sin.
The Fallen Nature and Effects of Sin
Although God created human beings as morally upright (Ecclesiastes 5.29), they were led away from the truth of God's will and revelation by Satan (Genesis 3.1). Having been given freedom by God, in allowing themselves to be deceived, they chose to act against God's word and therefore declared their independence from him. In this sense, human kind fell from their state of sinlessness and fellowship with God (2 Corinthians 11.3). All human beings since Adam and Eve, therefore, in some mysterious way, have inherited a sinful nature and similarly suffer the consequences of such a nature, namely separation from God int he spiritual sense (Romans 5.8, Hebrews 11.6, Isaiah 64.6). All people have been corrupted by this nature and are totally depraved, enslaved to sin, and unable to overcome its effects and control by their own power (Isaiah 64.6, Ephesians 2.8-9). The physical result of this fallen nature is that of death, sickness, and decay (Genesis 3.14-19). All suffering, therefore, is a result of the fallen nature of human beings (Genesis 3.16-19, Romans 5.12)
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