Ministers Must Deal Faithfully
Ministers should not be merely like dials on watches, or milestones on the road, but like clocks and alarms, to sound the alarm to sinners. Aaron wore bells as well as pomegranates, and the prophets were commanded to lift up their voices like a trumpet. A sleeping sentinel may be the loss of the city.
From: Heartwarming Bible Illustration, ©1998 AMG International Inc.
Almost a month after our short term mission exposure trip, I still think about it. That trip allowed me to have a first hand encounter with Muslims. Contrary to what was being presented in the media, Muslims are humans after all. They can be as nice as any Christian can be. However, I specially empathize with the Muslim women. Gender discrimination continues to be a problem. Let us continue to pray for them.
According to D.G. Benner, psychology has always been with Christianity. Long before psychology developed as a separate discipline from philosophy, Christianity was actively involved in the study, development, and understanding of psychology. Such work is to be found in the theological study of the soul, an important topic in theology since the earliest times. However, with the development of the Freudal theory and the rise of Liberal theology, the Evangelical Christian community gave up its pursuit of a biblically informed psychology. Thus, psychology eventually became an enemy of Theology. Jay Adams stands out as one of the most prominent proponent of this belief. However, the climate of mistrust between Christianity and psychology has slowly been bridged in the last two decades. Christian pastors who have pastoral counseling courses in their seminary training are becoming more and more open to the use of psychology in their ministry. Some even claims to have been benefited by their psychological insights.
***Information taken from Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Bakers Book, 1984.
Merriam Webster dictionary defines “psychology” as the science of mind and behavior. By its definition, psychology does not seem to contradict theology. Why then is theology in conflict with psychology? Is psychology in itself bad? Or, isn’t it better to assume that psychology became bad only because people with depraved mind maliciously manipulated its practice?
Insights:
The apostle Paul wrote a personal testimony of his own calling in this passage. He readily confessed his own unworthiness for Christ’s service. He boldly admitted that before God called him to Christ’s service; he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. And that it is only by the MERCY OF GOD that he now was considered faithful to serve Christ.
Reflection:
No one is ever worthy to serve Christ except by the MERCY OF GOD. Thus, as we respond to His calling for full time ministry let us be reminded of His mercy. And let us be faithful in our endeavors for Christ Jesus our Lord. There is absolutely nothing that we can boost about in our calling, except that we are recipients of His mercy. We are not better than anyone, for we all are sinners called into salvation. Nevertheless, through the power of His mercy may we confidently serve Him. All glory, honor, and praise belong to God, amen!
Charles Wesley of England was without doubt one of the most productive hymn writers and preachers of all time. Yet, strangely enough, Wesley was able to get only one hymn poem into the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer, and that one by error!
An eighteenth century printer didn’t know that the “established Church” of England frowned with disapproval upon Wesley’s hymns. Since he needed material to fill an empty space in the new hymnal, he took it upon himself to insert a Christmas poem called, “Hark, How All the Welkins Rings!” by an Anglican clergyman named Charles Wesley. When the error was discovered attempts were made to have it removed, but it proved so popular that it was allowed to remain.
It was written in 1738, but is still very moving today.
“Hark the herald angels sing.
Glory to the new born King.
Peace on earth, and mercy mild:
God and sinners reconciled.”
From: A Treasury of Bible Illustrations, ©1995 AMG International Inc.
Much of a pastor’s success results from his wife’s prayers, steadiness, encouragement, and correction. Her contentment rests largely on his recognition of her as his help-meet.
Perhaps no one in the entire church has as difficult a job as the pastor’s wife. But if her husband praises her (Prov. 31:28), he will find her his greatest support. She will be blessed by knowing they both serve Christ.
We have to understand that the model of our family life outweighs our finest messages.
The church looks beyond the sermon and into the home.
—David S. Gotaas
From “Who’s Keeping Your Vineyard?”
Moody Monthly
A.W. Tozer once stated that, “A Doctrine has practical value only as far as it is prominent in our thoughts and makes difference in our lives. Indeed it is true. Our theology or knowledge about God becomes beneficial only if our minds and actions are changed by our understanding of God. No wonder, in 1Timothy 4:16, Paul asked Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely. Read the rest of this entry »
Overview:
Psalm 24 is a processional hymn written by David. It reflects the time when the Ark of God was being brought from Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. David envisioned this event as the coming of the Almighty God into Zion, the city of God in the new age.
Psalm 24 revealed three important truths about God:
Insights:
As I reflect on this psalm, I realize how great God is and how insignificant I am. God is the Creator of all things, yet, in His mercy He chose to sent Jesus Christ for us to enter His presence (John 14:6). How can we ever fathom such kind of a grace? Indeed, Jesus the King of Glory deserves to be welcome. Let us open the gates of our hearts and welcome Him into our lives.
“It is so impossible for the world to exist without God that if God should forget it, it would immediately cease to be.”
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855)
What makes November 11, Sunday, different from any other Sundays of the year?
I would say, “A Time of Change.” Once, I heard a friend said, “Nothing is Constant except Change.” Change is inevitable in life. Change at times may also be inconvenient, but we should be encourage that the Bible do have stories of change. Abraham by faith accepted change by moving from his comfort zone to a place unknown. Jacob was compelled by circumstances to accept change. Joshua had to accept the challenges of change by leading God’s people out of wilderness. Change may be hard but it can be beneficial as long as God is with you. Read the rest of this entry »
These last few weeks as I listened to the radio or watch live television shows, I had repeatedly encountered people counting down the number of days remaining before Christmas. Again, this morning it was enthusiastically announced that there remain only 49 Days before Christmas. Such announcement displayed the anticipation and excitement people have for Christmas. What bothered me is the real reason behind people’s enthusiasm. Are they excited because of the festivity that comes with the season or because it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Read the rest of this entry »
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