I've watched this video like ten times. It's powerful! Check it out:
Amen.
In Him,
Mark
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Gospel Sacrifice
If you haven't seen End of the Spear, I suggest you go to Blockbuster and rent a copy. It is a phenomenal story about a group of passionate missionaries who give their lives to reach the Waodani people of Ecuador. Here is a glimpse into the hearts of the missionaries as they prepared for their calling:
"As we weigh the future and seek the will of God, does it seem right that we should hazard our lives for just a few savages? As we ask ourselves this question, we realize that it is not the call of the needy thousands, rather it is simple intimation of the prophetic Word that there shall be some from every tribe in His presence in the last day and in our hearts we feel that it is pleasing to Him that we should interest ourselves in making an opening into the Auca prison for Christ."
-Nate Saint, excerpt from Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
What a great view of Scripture! Clearly, Saint and his fellow missionaries understood God's desire to save all of His people. I pray my generation would come to this same point of understanding Scripture. And I pray we would rise up and go to the ends of the Earth to proclaim the glorious name of Jesus Christ!
I heard another story today about two young men who sold themselves into slavery so that they could go to an island of only slaves and preach the Gospel. As the men were leaving behind their families and friends, one of them shouted back to their loved ones, "Shall not the Lamb have the full reward of His suffering?" What an example of sacrifice!
Praise God for being gracious enough to allow us to claim His name! May we not take it for granted and may we spread His glory to all the nations!
In Him,
Mark
"As we weigh the future and seek the will of God, does it seem right that we should hazard our lives for just a few savages? As we ask ourselves this question, we realize that it is not the call of the needy thousands, rather it is simple intimation of the prophetic Word that there shall be some from every tribe in His presence in the last day and in our hearts we feel that it is pleasing to Him that we should interest ourselves in making an opening into the Auca prison for Christ."
-Nate Saint, excerpt from Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
What a great view of Scripture! Clearly, Saint and his fellow missionaries understood God's desire to save all of His people. I pray my generation would come to this same point of understanding Scripture. And I pray we would rise up and go to the ends of the Earth to proclaim the glorious name of Jesus Christ!
I heard another story today about two young men who sold themselves into slavery so that they could go to an island of only slaves and preach the Gospel. As the men were leaving behind their families and friends, one of them shouted back to their loved ones, "Shall not the Lamb have the full reward of His suffering?" What an example of sacrifice!
Praise God for being gracious enough to allow us to claim His name! May we not take it for granted and may we spread His glory to all the nations!
In Him,
Mark
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My Nannie
Yesterday, my grandmother met Jesus. It's hard for me to believe. Her death seems so surreal. I mean I knew it was coming soon. Each time I visited her over this past year, I could see her health getting worse and worse. Honestly, the finality of her death is tough.
I'm going to miss her. Holidays won't be the same any more. My dad's side of the family always went to her house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It will be really different without her there to celebrate. She always made sure I got enough food. She would give me candy for the ride back home. She never forgot my birthday. She even gave me money on my sibling's birthdays! She was the best and I love her!
I rejoice because she made Jesus Christ the Lord of her life! I know her soul is eternally fulfilled because she understands Christ's full glory. And I know I will see her again one day! Praise God!
I'm so thankful Jesus made a way for us! He is awesomely gracious!
In Him,
Mark
I'm going to miss her. Holidays won't be the same any more. My dad's side of the family always went to her house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It will be really different without her there to celebrate. She always made sure I got enough food. She would give me candy for the ride back home. She never forgot my birthday. She even gave me money on my sibling's birthdays! She was the best and I love her!
I rejoice because she made Jesus Christ the Lord of her life! I know her soul is eternally fulfilled because she understands Christ's full glory. And I know I will see her again one day! Praise God!
I'm so thankful Jesus made a way for us! He is awesomely gracious!
In Him,
Mark
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Little Image Bearers
I found this powerful video posted on J.D. Greear's blog. Check it out:
Please pray for Obama and other influential leaders.
In Him,
Mark
Please pray for Obama and other influential leaders.
In Him,
Mark
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
But God
At the beginning of this summer, I started studying the book of Ephesians. Now I realize why it's referred to as the 'Queen of the Epistles' by William Barcaly. I consider it one of my favortie books of the Bible because it contains both foundational theology to the Christian faith and practical application to Christian living.
I want to quickly discuss the theology found in Ephesians 2:4-5. Here are the two verses from the New American Standard Bible:
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ"
This is glorious truth!
I can't get over God's love! Dave Owen, one of the college pastors at Providence, says the 'but' beginning verse 4 is the greatest conjunction in all of literature. I agree! It demonstrates how we are completely depraved and destined for wrath BUT God intervenes for us out of mercy and love. I am so thankful God acts in our favor! Sometimes, I struggle with why He does choose to make us alive with Christ. Then, I remember that He is mercy and He is love! He is.
In Him,
Mark
I want to quickly discuss the theology found in Ephesians 2:4-5. Here are the two verses from the New American Standard Bible:
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ"
This is glorious truth!
I can't get over God's love! Dave Owen, one of the college pastors at Providence, says the 'but' beginning verse 4 is the greatest conjunction in all of literature. I agree! It demonstrates how we are completely depraved and destined for wrath BUT God intervenes for us out of mercy and love. I am so thankful God acts in our favor! Sometimes, I struggle with why He does choose to make us alive with Christ. Then, I remember that He is mercy and He is love! He is.
In Him,
Mark
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Every Tribe, Language, People and Nation
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation."
Revelation 5:9
This summer I've been greatly blessed by getting to spend time with two different African refugee families. I got connected with the families through my mom. She's served the families for about a year and a half now. When I got of school for the summer, she asked if I would take two of the boys to soccer practice. So I started taking Eriya and Claude to their practices and games. My relationship with the boys grew over time and I now spend time with them regularly. If you don't know them, they are hiliarious and you should get to know them.
Through my relationship with the boys, I eventually got more directly involved with their families. Yesterday, Rachel and I went over to their apartment complex and taught English. As I was teaching Eriya's father, Pascal, English vocabulary of the household, he taught me the same vocabulary in his native languages, Swahili and Kirundi. I struggled to learn the words and now I really can't remember any of those he taught me. But God used the time I spent with Pascal to remind me about His rich diversity.
Creation proclaims the diversity of God. His creation is more than innovative. It is completely and totally original. It is indescribable because He is indescribable!
That being said, I want to quickly discuss the variety of human cultures by specifically talking about my experiences with one special culture God created. The refugee families' culture is so incredibly unique! They are always happy. In phone conversations with their friends, they passionately sing praises to Jesus like Americans passionately gossip about others. Their hospitality compares to the wait staff at a five star restaurant. I can barely finish the juice they give me before they are ready to give me a refill. They are so thankful and it's apparent in their every demeanor. Yet, they have so little. It's amazing! I love it!
God is the author of African culture. He is the author of all cultures. He authored the cultures for His glory. Therefore, He desires people from every tribe, nation and language to worship Him. His desire will come true. (Revelation 5:9) I can not wait for that day when all His people join together in unison to give Him praise in their native languages! The reality of Revelation 5:9 is awesome! Just think about it. According to the Joshua Project, there are 16,309 people groups by country and 6,511 languages spoken in the world today. Imagine now the powerful, sweet sound of all these unique saints singing praises to God!
Again, I can't wait for this day! All praise and glory to Jesus!
In Him,
Mark
Monday, July 6, 2009
Idolatry
Unfortunately, I didn't get to attend the Advance09 Conference in Raleigh, NC because of work obligations. However, I've been able to listen to the conference messages on Piper's website, http://www.desiringgod.org/. All of the messages I've heard thus far exalt the name of Christ. So I highly recommend listening to them.
In particular, I think everyone should hear Mark Driscoll's talk from the conference on idolatry. I've never really heard the sin of idolatry so candidly addressed by anyone. In his message, he thoroughly covers issues such as the idea of worship, the lies of idols, and the problem with idolatry. Below, I've posted some of the notes I wrote down as I listened to Driscoll.
Worship
-Worship is reflecting, in a limited form, the character and nature of God to the earth for His glory, others' good, and our joy.
-Sin is reflecting people and things other than God.
-We are unceasingly worshipping. It's not a matter of whether we worship, but it's a matter of what we worship.
-The opposite of biblical worship is idolatry or worshipping something other than Jesus.
-Most of the time, we worship good things and make idols out of them.
Often, we make good things become God things and thus they become bad things.
Different Lies of Idols
1) Some idols present themselves as a "savior" in the functional manner
2) Some idols say that they can mediate between man and God
3) Some idols give you identity and define who you are
4) Some idols tell you they will make you righteous
Problem with Idolatry
1) Dishonors God
2) Destroys loved ones
3) Demonizes others
Common Idolatries
1) Money
2) Family
3) Sexuality
4) Substances
5) Morality
6) People
Again, this is just a brief outline of my own notes. I suggest listening to the message yourself. Here is the direct link to the message entitled Ministry Idolatry.
In Him,
Mark
In particular, I think everyone should hear Mark Driscoll's talk from the conference on idolatry. I've never really heard the sin of idolatry so candidly addressed by anyone. In his message, he thoroughly covers issues such as the idea of worship, the lies of idols, and the problem with idolatry. Below, I've posted some of the notes I wrote down as I listened to Driscoll.
Worship
-Worship is reflecting, in a limited form, the character and nature of God to the earth for His glory, others' good, and our joy.
-Sin is reflecting people and things other than God.
-We are unceasingly worshipping. It's not a matter of whether we worship, but it's a matter of what we worship.
-The opposite of biblical worship is idolatry or worshipping something other than Jesus.
-Most of the time, we worship good things and make idols out of them.
Often, we make good things become God things and thus they become bad things.
Different Lies of Idols
1) Some idols present themselves as a "savior" in the functional manner
2) Some idols say that they can mediate between man and God
3) Some idols give you identity and define who you are
4) Some idols tell you they will make you righteous
Problem with Idolatry
1) Dishonors God
2) Destroys loved ones
3) Demonizes others
Common Idolatries
1) Money
2) Family
3) Sexuality
4) Substances
5) Morality
6) People
Again, this is just a brief outline of my own notes. I suggest listening to the message yourself. Here is the direct link to the message entitled Ministry Idolatry.
In Him,
Mark
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Freedom in Christ
As I celebrated the 4th of July with family and friends yesterday, I took time to remember the great freedom I have as an American. Often, I take for granted the many opportunities and liberties of this country. I used the holiday as a reminder of just how much God blessed me by providentially placing me here. I thank and praise Him for such amazing grace!
Celebrating freedom in America naturally reminds me of the freedom believers possess in Christ Jesus. Followers of Christ are free from the law of sin and death! In Romans, Paul writes:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2
In the past, I took this verse and other passages like it out of context to justify sin in my life. I immaturely concluded I could intentionally sin because Christ forgives me no matter what I do. Basically, I believed Christ's sacrifice gave me a free license to sin.
Needless to say, I was completely wrong. Christ gives us the freedom from sin not the freedom to sin! Because the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, we have the power to overcome sin. We are no longer dead in sin, but alive in Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Paul simply says, "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:2)
We are no longer slaves to sin! (Romans 6:6) We are free! Free in Christ! (Romans 6:11) Sin no longer has power over us. (Romans 6:14) For now we are more than conquerors! (Romans 8:37)
My favorite movie of all time is Braveheart. The epic movie stars Mel Gibson who portrays William Wallace, a Scottish knight who led his people in a fight for their independence from England. One of the most memorable scenes from the movies is when Wallace gives an inspirational speech to his army about freedom. I've embedded it below.
Just as Wallace assures his people the English can not take away their freedom, God assures believers Satan can not take our freedom from sin because of the cross. Jesus defeated Satan's power over believers by sacrificing Himself on the cross and overcoming His own death. Thus, we should cling to the cross and its glorious power to defeat sin!
Let the cross serve as a reminder to the freedom Christ provides His followers! Remember it's through Him alone do we have freedom from sin!
In Him,
Mark
Celebrating freedom in America naturally reminds me of the freedom believers possess in Christ Jesus. Followers of Christ are free from the law of sin and death! In Romans, Paul writes:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2
In the past, I took this verse and other passages like it out of context to justify sin in my life. I immaturely concluded I could intentionally sin because Christ forgives me no matter what I do. Basically, I believed Christ's sacrifice gave me a free license to sin.
Needless to say, I was completely wrong. Christ gives us the freedom from sin not the freedom to sin! Because the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, we have the power to overcome sin. We are no longer dead in sin, but alive in Christ! (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Paul simply says, "We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:2)
We are no longer slaves to sin! (Romans 6:6) We are free! Free in Christ! (Romans 6:11) Sin no longer has power over us. (Romans 6:14) For now we are more than conquerors! (Romans 8:37)
My favorite movie of all time is Braveheart. The epic movie stars Mel Gibson who portrays William Wallace, a Scottish knight who led his people in a fight for their independence from England. One of the most memorable scenes from the movies is when Wallace gives an inspirational speech to his army about freedom. I've embedded it below.
Just as Wallace assures his people the English can not take away their freedom, God assures believers Satan can not take our freedom from sin because of the cross. Jesus defeated Satan's power over believers by sacrificing Himself on the cross and overcoming His own death. Thus, we should cling to the cross and its glorious power to defeat sin!
Let the cross serve as a reminder to the freedom Christ provides His followers! Remember it's through Him alone do we have freedom from sin!
In Him,
Mark
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Power of the Gospel
Last night after church, I hung out with Adam Smith, the Lawndale Baptist Student Intern, and some younger guys I'm discipling. We went to eat at Steak 'n Shake and planned on going bowling with some other youth afterwards. But the other group bailed on us, so we decided instead to go downtown to plan out some scenes for an upcoming movie we're planning on shooting later this summer. I'm sure I'll discuss more about the movie in later posts.
When we reached downtown, we immediately went to the park and began talking about different ideas for our movie. As we continued walking and acting out various scenes throughout the park, a bearded, African-American man approached us and asked if we were Christians. We acknowledged we were Christians and then he asked us to join him at his table to talk about our beliefs.
The man first asked us to explain Christianity. Adam started talking about how the Old Testament explains the beginning of creation and points to a coming Savior. Next, Adam talked about how the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the Old Testament Messiah and discusses the resulting implications for the world. As Adam was about to present the Gospel, the man interrupted him and pulled out a Bible. Adam and I both looked at one another perplexed because we didn’t think the man was a Christian. He began quoting Scripture out of context and telling the story of Esau and Jacob. He pointed out the Bible gave a description of Esau but not Jacob. As he was recounting the story, he continually referred to the Bible as “our Heavenly Father’s Word” and “His Word”. These references also puzzled me. Finally, he noticed the confusion on my face and he allowed me to ask a question. I simply asked if he was a Christian and why he consistently referred to the Bible as God’s Word. He replied by saying he serves the true savior but he could not reveal his savior's identity. Then he made the most ridiculous claim! He said Jesus Christ was actually Julius Caesar!
At this point in the conversation, I could tell he wasn’t receptive to anything we had to say. We continued to listen to him for a while longer rant on about his radical views of history. Finally, I interjected and encouraged him to seek out the person of Jesus Christ with an open heart. Again, he interrupted me as I began sharing about Christ and he changed the subject. Adam wisely suggested we needed to go and so we said goodbye as another group of Christians approached him.
On our way out of the park, I stopped the guys to pray for the man. We sat down on the side of a walkway and circled up together to lift the man up in prayer. Mainly, we prayed for the Holy Spirit to open his eyes to truth of Jesus Christ. After praying, I talked to the guys and insured them about Christ’s divinity. They reassured me they didn’t believe any of the lies he propagated. Also, I could tell they understood how blind the poor man is to his own lost soul. I explained how important it is for Christians to lift the lost up in prayer (Romans 10:1) because God is the author of salvation. (Hebrews 2:10)
God is the One and Only who opens our eyes to sin and calls us to repent! (John 6:44) So if we want to lead people to Christ we must first go to Him in prayer. I encourage everyone to pray more for the lost! I know I need to pray more for the lost because an eternity without Christ is a stark reality! I urge you not to settle and don't make small requests to God. BE BOLD AND PRAY FOR BIG THINGS! (Jeremiah 33:3) For don’t we serve an awesome, infinite God who reigns over everything?! (Psalm 47:7-8) He is Almighty and He can do all things! (Genesis 35:11) Did Christ not die to save the world?! (John 3:16-17) Don't let His glorious sacrifice go in vain!
Therefore, believe in the power of the Gospel and never back down from proclaiming its truth! The Gospel’s power enables us to freely share it with everyone (Matthew 28:18-19). We have hope in the power of the Gospel because it’s the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20)! But I ask, do we really believe in this amazing power? Do we really believe the Gospel has the power to save and change the lives of false prophets like Bart Ehrman, adamant atheists like Richard Dawkins, or known terrorists like Osama bin Laden? Imagine if Ehrman proclaimed the Gospel in the classroom at UNC to the next generations. Imagine if Dawkins denounced atheism. Imagine if bin Laden came to Christ and began ministering to the Muslim nations. This is the power of the Gospel!
Believe. Go. Share.
In Him,
Mark
When we reached downtown, we immediately went to the park and began talking about different ideas for our movie. As we continued walking and acting out various scenes throughout the park, a bearded, African-American man approached us and asked if we were Christians. We acknowledged we were Christians and then he asked us to join him at his table to talk about our beliefs.
The man first asked us to explain Christianity. Adam started talking about how the Old Testament explains the beginning of creation and points to a coming Savior. Next, Adam talked about how the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the Old Testament Messiah and discusses the resulting implications for the world. As Adam was about to present the Gospel, the man interrupted him and pulled out a Bible. Adam and I both looked at one another perplexed because we didn’t think the man was a Christian. He began quoting Scripture out of context and telling the story of Esau and Jacob. He pointed out the Bible gave a description of Esau but not Jacob. As he was recounting the story, he continually referred to the Bible as “our Heavenly Father’s Word” and “His Word”. These references also puzzled me. Finally, he noticed the confusion on my face and he allowed me to ask a question. I simply asked if he was a Christian and why he consistently referred to the Bible as God’s Word. He replied by saying he serves the true savior but he could not reveal his savior's identity. Then he made the most ridiculous claim! He said Jesus Christ was actually Julius Caesar!
At this point in the conversation, I could tell he wasn’t receptive to anything we had to say. We continued to listen to him for a while longer rant on about his radical views of history. Finally, I interjected and encouraged him to seek out the person of Jesus Christ with an open heart. Again, he interrupted me as I began sharing about Christ and he changed the subject. Adam wisely suggested we needed to go and so we said goodbye as another group of Christians approached him.
On our way out of the park, I stopped the guys to pray for the man. We sat down on the side of a walkway and circled up together to lift the man up in prayer. Mainly, we prayed for the Holy Spirit to open his eyes to truth of Jesus Christ. After praying, I talked to the guys and insured them about Christ’s divinity. They reassured me they didn’t believe any of the lies he propagated. Also, I could tell they understood how blind the poor man is to his own lost soul. I explained how important it is for Christians to lift the lost up in prayer (Romans 10:1) because God is the author of salvation. (Hebrews 2:10)
God is the One and Only who opens our eyes to sin and calls us to repent! (John 6:44) So if we want to lead people to Christ we must first go to Him in prayer. I encourage everyone to pray more for the lost! I know I need to pray more for the lost because an eternity without Christ is a stark reality! I urge you not to settle and don't make small requests to God. BE BOLD AND PRAY FOR BIG THINGS! (Jeremiah 33:3) For don’t we serve an awesome, infinite God who reigns over everything?! (Psalm 47:7-8) He is Almighty and He can do all things! (Genesis 35:11) Did Christ not die to save the world?! (John 3:16-17) Don't let His glorious sacrifice go in vain!
Therefore, believe in the power of the Gospel and never back down from proclaiming its truth! The Gospel’s power enables us to freely share it with everyone (Matthew 28:18-19). We have hope in the power of the Gospel because it’s the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20)! But I ask, do we really believe in this amazing power? Do we really believe the Gospel has the power to save and change the lives of false prophets like Bart Ehrman, adamant atheists like Richard Dawkins, or known terrorists like Osama bin Laden? Imagine if Ehrman proclaimed the Gospel in the classroom at UNC to the next generations. Imagine if Dawkins denounced atheism. Imagine if bin Laden came to Christ and began ministering to the Muslim nations. This is the power of the Gospel!
Believe. Go. Share.
In Him,
Mark
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mighty to Save
Last night I started praying to the Lord after I read a chapter in Experiencing God about prayer. As I was praying, the Holy Spirit led me to repent. I confessed my sin of seeking man's approval above God's approval and I asked God to help me overcome this personal recurring stumbling block of mine. Then, the Holy Spirit reminded me of one of my all time favorite Bible verses:
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
-Zephaniah 3:17 (emphasis mine)
If I truly believed this verse with all of my heart, I wonder how radically different my life would look?! My prayer is to believe this verse with all that I am! I want to wholeheartedly know God takes great delight in me. I want to hear His voice rejoicing over me in song. I know if I viewed God in this way, then my life would look drastically different!
In my opinion, I think all of sin takes root when man decides to distrust God at some core level. For example, I often struggle with believing the words of Zephaniah 3:17. I don't always feel like God is singing over me. I especially don't think He is taking great delight in me right after I spoke disrespectfully to my mom or made a joke at someone else's expense. But God is ALWAYS singing over His children and He is ALWAYS taking great delight in them because He sees His Son and not our sin. When I don't believe this truth, I eventually feel poorly about myself and make myself idols to lift me up. Specifically, I start validating myself in other things such as the approval of man rather than finding my identity in Christ and only seeking His approval.
Thus, I think we must trust God and His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit if we really want to live victoriously for Christ! Praise God for He is mighty to save!
In Him,
Mark
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
-Zephaniah 3:17 (emphasis mine)
If I truly believed this verse with all of my heart, I wonder how radically different my life would look?! My prayer is to believe this verse with all that I am! I want to wholeheartedly know God takes great delight in me. I want to hear His voice rejoicing over me in song. I know if I viewed God in this way, then my life would look drastically different!
In my opinion, I think all of sin takes root when man decides to distrust God at some core level. For example, I often struggle with believing the words of Zephaniah 3:17. I don't always feel like God is singing over me. I especially don't think He is taking great delight in me right after I spoke disrespectfully to my mom or made a joke at someone else's expense. But God is ALWAYS singing over His children and He is ALWAYS taking great delight in them because He sees His Son and not our sin. When I don't believe this truth, I eventually feel poorly about myself and make myself idols to lift me up. Specifically, I start validating myself in other things such as the approval of man rather than finding my identity in Christ and only seeking His approval.
Thus, I think we must trust God and His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit if we really want to live victoriously for Christ! Praise God for He is mighty to save!
In Him,
Mark
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